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No better time than now to quit smoking

With a new year just days away there is no better time for people to adopt a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle.

According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of quitting smoking are immediate. Within 20 minutes blood pressure drops, and within 24 hours a person’s chance of heart attack decreases. The benefits continue for years, including reduced risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

“Quitting tobacco can be challenging because nicotine is a highly addictive drug. But whether a person chooses to quit during the holiday season, or as a New Year’s resolution, there are resources available to help,” said Tiffany Olsick, Public Heath, Delta & Menominee Counties health educator.

Research shows that while quitting is difficult for most tobacco users, people who use tobacco can increase their success in quitting with help.

Quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends.

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is an evidence-based service that continues to provide free telephone coaching for the uninsured, pregnant women, residents enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, veterans, cancer patients, and American Indians, and free nicotine replacement therapy to those who qualify. The Quitline provides services including materials, text messaging, an online program, and referral to all Michigan residents.

Providers can refer their patients and clients to the Quitline, and individual tobacco users can contact the Quitline directly at 1-800-784-8669, or enroll online at https://michigan.quitlogix.org/.

More information, including a fax referral form for providers, is available at the website. Staff and providers in all health care settings can refer patients and clients to the Michigan Tobacco Quitline.

Daily Press (Escanaba)

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