To the editor:
The CDC reports that most adults who smoked cigarettes in 2022 wanted to quit, and 53.3% of those adults tried to quit in the past year but could not, it’s not easy. Nicotine is highly addictive and often requires multiple attempts at quitting using multiple types of resources. Just a 3-minute coaching call has shown to help improve chances of quitting smoking.
Have you considered quitting smoking, but didn’t know where to start? I had an aunt and uncle that were lifelong smokers, and both died early from preventable diseases caused by smoking. It was hard watching them smoke when they were ill, and they still could not stop. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do and there are free resources to help. There is never a better time to quit than now!
The benefits of quitting smoking start immediately regardless of age or years of smoking and reduce health risks of those around from breathing secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking improves health, increases life expectancy, lowers risk of 12 types of cancer, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lowers risk of some poor reproductive health outcomes.
Adults can connect with a personal coach today for free by calling the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669. Visit ohioquits.org for videos, podcasts, quit medications, and more information on quitting for good. These services are free, convenient, safe and secure. Teens can visit mylifemyquit.com or call 1-800-891-9989 or Text 36072 to quit tobacco and vape; when they want, how they want.
The Vinton County Health Department also supports pregnant women with the Moms Quit for Two program through the ODH Perinatal Smoking Cessation program. The goal of the program is to improve birth outcomes, reduce low birth weights, reduce preterm birth rates, increase smoking quit rates during pregnancy and the first twelve months postpartum, and reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Participants can earn up to 8 $50 gift cards. Please contact Ginger Eberts at 740-596-5233 or geberts@vintonohhealth.org
With support,
Emily Deshaies, MPH, REHS
Health Commissioner, Vinton County Health Department
