Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your health. Inspira doctor...
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Cigarette sales increased in 2020 for the first time in 20 years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States—that translates to 500,000 people dying each year from tobacco use or second-hand smoke exposure. In addition, 16 million people live with long-term health problems from tobacco use, such as COPD.
The health benefits of quitting smoking start almost immediately: In one hour, blood pressure drops; in one day, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease; and in one year, heart disease risk decreases by half and continues to drop. To begin reaping those benefits, however, you have to take the first step of quitting, which can be daunting.
“Quitting smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco isn’t easy, and the pandemic hasn’t helped.It’s easy to turn to cigarettes and tobacco products when you’re stressed out because it seems like they provide immediate relief,” said Donald Noblett, Cancer Grants Manager at Inspira Health. “Data shows that the likelihood of successfully quitting on your own can be as low as 7%. Inspira’s Quit Center has proven to more than triple those odds.”
Inspira’s Quit Center, Now Available Virtually
If you’re ready to quit using tobacco, getting help along the way in the form of counseling, medicine or both, can triple your chances of quitting forever, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Inspira Health’s Quit Center is now available virtually to help you quit smoking or using other forms of tobacco. It’s a six-week program available at no cost to residents of Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.
Virtual tobacco cessation programs include:
- Certified tobacco treatment specialists
- One-to-one counseling
- A comprehensive individualized quit plan
- Virtual classes including group counseling
- One-month and seven-month follow up sessions
- Readmission into the Quit Center if needed
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Lung cancer screening
“The pandemic has changed a lot about health care, and we’re happy to be able to help people quit through virtual meetings and classes,” said Noblett.
Program participants will get one-on-one counseling and attend group sessions to discuss the process of stopping tobacco use. They may also be eligible for a free lung cancer screening and nicotine replacement therapy like patches, gum or lozenges.
“An addiction to nicotine is physical and emotional, and so is the journey to stopping smoking forever,” said Noblett. “Talking to a professional and participating in a program can help you stay motivated during the process, provide a place to discuss how you’re feeling and offer strategies for coping with withdrawal,” he said.
For more information about Inspira’s Quit Center, click here. If you’re ready to start your journey to stop smoking, you can arrange a free assessment by phone by calling (856) 641-8633.
