advertisement

Class in July aims to make a nonsmoker out of you

McHenry County Department of Health and Centegra will offer quit smoking classes for adults in July. The seven-week class will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning July 9 at Centegra Hospital - McHenry, 4201 W. Medical Center Drive, Physician's Dining Room, in McHenry.

A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all sessions are attended. Class members also will receive a free three-day pass to Centegra's Health Bridge Fitness Center. To register, call MCDH at (815) 334-4525.

Classes will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification. It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that is trained in the American Lung Association's Freedom From SmokingĀ® program. This program is considered the "gold standard" and has helped tens of thousands of smokers quit over the last 30 years.

Evaluation studies have shown that individuals who participate in Freedom From Smoking: experience immediate health benefits; learn to address the physical, mental, and social aspects of their addiction; and are six times more likely to be smoke free one year later than those who quit on their own.

Quitting smoking can add up to measurable savings - $2,500 a year for those who smoke one-pack a day as well as the money saved on health care costs. To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line at (866) QUIT-YES.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.