Break the Habit

According to the American Lung Association, smoking-related diseases kill more than 393,000 Americans each year, and smoking causes harm to nearly every organ in the body. Further, of the 4,800 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, 69 are known carcinogens.

Chances are, if you smoke, you know you should quit — but quitting is never easy. The Tobacco Cessation Program at the UHS Stay Healthy Center in Oakdale Mall offers help, hope and encouragement for smokers ready to break the habit.

Laura Schutt, RN, explains that smokers should quit most obviously for health reasons, but also because they may see their insurance premiums rise as new rules are implemented as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She and staff at the UHS Stay Healthy Center offer in-person group and one-to-one phone counseling tailored to each individual smoker’s needs.

“We offer classes here at the center, and there is a free support group that meets every Monday from 6 to 7 p.m.,” says Ms. Schutt, who adds that quitting smoking takes time, encouragement and sometimes the right medication to help with cravings and urges.