Lifestyles: American Smoke Out

In support of the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke Out, Saint Peter's Hospital is hosting another Quit for Life smoking cessation class.

In this week's Lifestyles Report, we find out how the class aims to help people quit tobacco, and prevent relapse.  The Quit for Life Tobacco Cessation Program is a 6 session class that aims to provide people the tools necessary to permanently quit using tobacco products.

Saint Peter's Hospital Community Education Coordinator Mallory McPherson says this course is important because it addresses the number one preventable cause of disease and death.

McPherson says, "Tobacco is a major problem in MT, one of our health issues that we're battling year after year in Helena."

Despite the dangers, the American Cancer Society reports more than $45,000,000 Americans smoke cigarettes.

McPherson says, "It's the most addictive drug, along with caffeine, but it's just such a huge issue and a lot of people do want to quit, it's just really hard to."

McPherson says the instructor focuses on group support as well as one on one coaching to increase the success rate and prevent relapse.  As well as the supportive group setting, participants are eligible for 6 weeks of free nicotine replacement.

McPherson says, "They're not alone, obviously, and starting nicotine replacement throughout the Montana Quit Line, that's great, but this is another boost, another way to help."

For more information about the quit for life class and other smoking cessation tools, click here.

Story by Aniseh Hamour, Beartooth NBC.
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