Where you can go to kick the habit
It's time.
Yeah, yeah, there are so many reasons to quit smoking as a New Year's resolution --like, you know, staving off lung cancer, smelling better and saving money.
But 2008 brings one extra bit of motivation for Illinois smokers to stop lighting up: the state smoking ban.
Illinois' statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and public buildings is in effect. And if you want even a drag right now, you'll have to trek out into the cold.
(After all, the ban prohibits smoking within 15 feet of entrances, and getting caught could cost you between $100 and $250.)
Even with the threat of fines, poor health and smoking in the snow, kicking the habit is rough. So to make it a little easier -- and to give you one less excuse to keep those cigarettes around -- we've searched suburban hospitals for programs to help you quit.
As you check these out, you'll notice an extra perk: many are free. Who knows? Maybe the money saved in cigarette costs can be used for a gym membership.
Arlington Heights: Northwest Community Hospital
Break the Tobacco Habit focuses on behavior modification and maintenance. Individualized counseling aims to help you stop smoking and remain smoke free. There is a fee for this program, but the new fee structure is to be determined. For details, call (847) 618-7916 or visit www.nch.org.
Lake Barrington: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Stop Smoking Support Group is designed for participants to share experiences and offer support to others while remaining smoke-free. This free program meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the hospital, 450 W. Route 22. No registration is required. For details, call (800) 323-8622 or visit www.advocatehealth.com.
Geneva: Delnor-Community Hospital
Quitting for Life is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. starting Jan. 16 at the hospital's health and wellness center, 300 Randall Road. Instructors help you identify the pitfalls of relapse, develop skills for stress management, weight control, communication and exercise. The cost is $50. For details, call (630) 208-3999 or visit www.delnor.com.
Hinsdale: Adventist Hinsdale Hospital
The DuPage County Health Department is conducting its free program, Smoke-Free Solutions, at 6 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 14 through March 10. The hospital is located at 120 N. Oak St. For details, call (630) 856-7525 or visit www.keeping youwell.com.
Naperville: Edward Hospital
DuPage County's Smoke-Free Solutions will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9 to Feb. 20. The hospital is located at 801 S. Washington St.. This free program will offer practical advice, support and information on how to cope with cravings and avoid weight gain. For details or to register, call (630) 527-6363 or visit www.edward.org.
Waukegan: Vista Medical Center East
You can meet one-on-one with a health-care professional who will assess your current lung function and work with you to design a personalized program. A variety of methods and behavior modification techniques are available. Appointments are at 1324 N. Sheridan Road and are set according to your schedule. The fee depends on the number and length of appointments. For details, call (847) 360-4131 or visit www.vistahealth.com.