By now, the word is out: Tobacco products are bad for your health.

The first thing that typically comes to mind is lung cancer. Smoking is responsible for almost 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths and is also linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, and bladder, accounting for up to 30% of all cancer deaths.

Negative health consequences don’t stop with cancer. Other serious illnesses that have been linked to tobacco use include:

Emphysema, COPD and chronic bronchitis
Heart disease and stroke
Vision loss from glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration
Tooth and gum disease
Type 2 diabetes
Osteoporosis (brittle bones)

The good news

The purpose of this blog post isn’t to beat anyone over the head with how dangerous tobacco products are; we already know this.

Instead, let’s discuss all of the resources available to help people quit. Many of these are available over the counter, such as nicotine patches, lozenges, and gum. Others might involve joining a class to help motivate you and give you all the necessary tools to be successful, or talking to your doctor about medications that might help.

The American Lung Association (ALA) reports that the most effective tobacco cessation attempts have the best results when a combination of the above mentioned tools are used. Each combination is dependent upon the individual specifically.

Here are some ways to begin your journey to becoming a non-smoker:

Begin by paying attention to your patterns and routines to help identify the times when you use tobacco products the most. This will help you to develop a quit plan by strategizing substitute actions for these times.
Pick a start date and make a plan for success.
Make a list of 5-7 minute tasks to help distract yourself when cravings hit.
Make a list of non-food-related rewards to give yourself when you reach a milestone.
Use nicotine replacement products, such as lozenges, gum, or patches. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (800-784-8669) to inquire about free products that could help you be successful.
Talk to your doctor about medications that can help reduce your desire to smoke.
Encourage a friend to quit with you.
Download an app to help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Take a class, such as the Freedom from Smoking class offered by the Warner Hospital Wellness Center.

Would you like to be smoke-free for 2025?

Freedom from Smoking is a free class open to anyone who would like to quit smoking. Developed by the American Lung Association, this evidenced-based program gives people the tools, resources, and support they need to overcome their tobacco addiction and embark on a healthy new lifestyle.

Warner Hospital Wellness Center will host our next Freedom From Smoking Class on Tuesday evenings 5:30-7:30, beginning December 3. This is an 8 week program. Weeks one through three focus on making a quit plan. Week four is our “Quit Week”, and weeks five through eight focus on continued support. This class is timed to support your New Year’s Resolution.

Call Kelly at 217-937-5275 or email [email protected] for more information, or to enroll in this FREE program.

Lung Cancer Screenings

Lung cancer screenings are another resource offered by Warner Hospital to individuals at higher risk of developing cancer. This is a program that focuses on screening and early detection of lung cancer. The screening tool used is a low dose computed tomography (LDCT). This program is recommended for people who:

Are age 55-75 years
Have a 30 or more “pack year” history of smoking
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

This program requires a physician order, so talk to your primary care provider if you are interested.

Take Control of Your Health in 2025 – Quit Smoking Today!

It’s time to break free from tobacco use. With evidence-based strategies and a community of support, you can kick the habit for good in 2025. Don’t wait another day. Your lung health is worth it. Call 217-937-5275 or email [email protected] to enroll in the Freedom From Smoking class at the Warner Hospital Wellness Center.