Start the New Year with a Healthier You

Quitting smoking is always one of the top resolutions that Mainers make over the New Year. However, anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows it is a tough battle and it does not always happen on the first try. For every smoker who successfully quits each year, thousands more make attempts but do not succeed.

The odds are more stacked against people if they do not seek help and support. Fortunately, there are options available for those who wish to make 2010 a healthy year:

Goodall Hospital FreshStart Program: A free 4-week course providing a group approach to kicking the habit. According to class facilitator Denise Paquet, “quitting tobacco is a process. The American Cancer Society FreshStart program helps guide participants through the process, thus helping them achieve their goal of becoming tobacco free.” Call (207) 490-7704 ext. 311 to register for an upcoming class. Sessions are available on a monthly basis.

The Maine Tobacco HelpLine (800) 207-1230: Personal coaching from the comfort of your own home. In addition to coaching, the HelpLine provides a variety of services to help people quit, including nicotine replacement medication for qualifying individuals. On average, 30-40% of the people that take advantage of the HelpLine’s full program of counseling and medications will be successful. The Maine Tobacco HelpLine is administered by the Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine, Department of Health and Human Services.