According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, about one in five adults is a smoker. In the United States, more people die from cigarette use each year than by alcohol, car crashes, suicide, AIDS, murder, and illegal drugs combined. And while many would like to quit, the addiction is very strong.
However, one local hospital is offering a program with a great success rate. Bay Medical staff decided to go to the source itself to find out how former smokers were successful in kicking the habit. The curriculum was developed by ex-smokers for those who want to become ex-smokers themselves.
The hospital is offering a free six week class and support group, called "Quit Smoking Now." The program has been so successful in the past, the hospital offers it several times a year now.
Brigitta Nuccio, of the Big Bend Area Health Education Center, says it all comes down to whether you want to stop. "They have to have a desire to quit. If they don't want to quit there's nothing we can do to help them, but if they want to quit, we can definitely help them," she says.
Nuccio adds, "(The class) really is effective. I've never had anybody come that didn't get something from the class."
The next class being offered begins next Wednesday, May 18th. It will meet every Wednesday for the next six weeks from noon to 1pm at Healthplex at Highway 77 and Baldwin Road.
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