 | Tina Bennett, certified Freedom From Smoking facilitator, presents a certificate to new non-smoker, Terri Austill, following her completion of the Freedom From Smoking program through Saint Anthony's Health Center. |
It is not a secret that smoking is bad for one’s health, but some individuals still find it difficult to live a smoke-free life. With the new ban on smoking in public places effective January 1, 2008, more smokers are looking at either staying home or kicking the habit.
And thanks to Saint Anthony's Freedom From Smoking program, area residents will have a free support group and certified instructors to guide them to a smoke-free life.The eight-week smoking cessation course provides tools, resources, guidance and most importantly, emotional support to those who are trying to quit smoking. Provided in conjunction with the American Lung Association, Freedom From Smoking is designed to ultimately have the participants quit smoking through active involvement in the program.
“We offer support and motivation, which are two key tools in the process of getting someone to quit smoking,” said Tina Bennett, certified Freedom From Smoking facilitator. “We provide the tools and prepare the participants for an end-date to their smoking.
“The main reason this program works is because of all the support given. People bond with each other over the eight weeks and become friends. They help each other and give each other the moral support and encouragement, as well as the positive reinforcement that is needed when kicking the habit.”
Many participants who are trying to quit smoking are using the smoking cessation classes in addition to other methods, such as a new smoking medication, nicotine replacement products or cold turkey. The classes are a needed bonus and added support to anyone trying to quit.
“I began taking medication to help me quit, but wanted some added support and didn’t want to go through this alone,” said Terri Austill, graduate of the Freedom From Smoking program. “Listening to the other people really helped me quit. I knew that I wasn’t the only person who was afraid to quit. I started looking forward to the Monday night meetings and it just became easier and easier to quit.”
Terri also knows that if she should ever get the urge to light up again, she can always go back to the meetings for the group support. There is also a Nicotine Anonymous group that meets every Monday in the Saint Clare’s Hospital cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. If a person is just thinking about quitting or needs the extra help to follow through and kick the habit or needs help fighting the urge to smoke again, Saint Anthony's Health Center has a way to help.
During the first session of the Smoking Cessation classes, the participants learn more about the effects of smoking. Participants review their own personal commitment and readiness to quit smoking and reduce the hesitation towards quitting. The first week above all gives participants hope and belief that quitting is an obtainable goal.
Weeks two through seven focus on lifestyle changes, relaxation, and exercise and weight management. These weeks help each participant adjust to a new life that does not involve smoking; they learn how to handle cravings through various coping strategies. The final week is a celebration of kicking the habit. All sessions are led by a certified Freedom From Smoking facilitator.
“As a facilitator, my role is to encourage participation from everyone,” said Stephanie SanSoucie, certified Freedom From Smoking facilitator. “Quitting is hard, but once you put your mind to it, it becomes easier. The best thing to do is find a friend who also would like to quit and join the Smoking Cessation classes together.”
For more information and to register for the free classes, please call 618/465-2264.