doctor-crushing-cigarettes-2

BC Health Department Supports Great American Smokeout Today

doctor-crushing-cigarettes-2

Smokers who persist in keeping their habit alive are responsible for product use that remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in all of Michigan and the Berrien County Health Department is raising the flag today in hopes that they will find the courage and willpower to stop.

Every year on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the Great American Smokeout, organized by the American Cancer Society, and the Berrien County Health Department is also taking this opportunity to encourage residents to quit smoking and remind smokers of the resources available to help them quit.

Tobacco use kills more than 16,200 residents each year in Michigan alone. Most tobacco users attempt to quit several times before they are successful. Research shows quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials and a strong support network of family and friends.

Kerri Teachout is Substance Abuse Prevention Services Supervisor for the Berrien County Health Department. She says, “Quitting tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your health.” Teachout adds, “The Great American Smokeout is a good time for smokers to make a plan to quit and find the resources that will help them be successful. Even by quitting for one day, smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.”

ADVERTISEMENT
Your content continues below

The Berrien County Health Department offers smoking cessation classes, with the next session beginning in January 2018. The class is open to the public with a minimal cost of $10.00 and will provide participants with the tools needed to quit smoking successfully, including a workbook and stress relieving techniques.  For more information on the class or to register, contact Kerri Teachout at (269) 927-5668 or kteachout@bchdmi.org.

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline provides free telephone coaching for Michigan residents who are uninsured, pregnant, enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, veterans, cancer patients or Native American. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available to those who qualify. The Michigan Quitline also provides free materials, text messaging support, online resources and referrals to programs based on insurance coverage to all Michiganders. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or you can visit online by clicking the link below:

https://michigan.quitlogix.org/