Free tobacco quit line available over the holidays

HART — The holiday season has arrived, and there is no better time for people to adopt a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle.

This year the Michigan Tobacco Quitline is making it easier to quit tobacco by offering free telephone coaching and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available to Michigan residents, regardless of insurance status. From now until December 31, 2015, the Michigan Tobacco Quitline is available to all Michiganders at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).     

The Quitline provides support services including materials, text messaging, an online program, and referrals for additional assistance. Traditionally, telephone coaching and free NRT-nicotine gum and patches are only available to the uninsured, pregnant women, residents enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, veterans, cancer patients, and American Indians.

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

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 to come, including reduced risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.  

“Quitting tobacco can be challenging because nicotine is a highly addictive drug. This promotion of the Quitline can help Michigan residents take this important step in improving their health. We encourage people to call the Quitline and take advantage of this opportunity,” stated Karen Ripke, health educator and trained tobacco cessation specialist at District Health Department #10.   

“The holidays can be a stressful time, but quitting for the holidays is possible,” said Ripke.  

“Calling the Michigan Tobacco Quitline now can help people make the holidays, and 2016, tobacco-free. Quitting tobacco today will lead to a lifetime of health benefits.”

For more information, contact Ripke at kripke@dhd10.org or call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).