It takes an average of three to five serious attempts to quit smoking before
meeting with success. If you have tried to quit smoking in the past and
have failed, this coming November 16 and the 20th Annual Great American
Smokeout may be your opportunity to become a non-smoker for good.
Why not make a plan that begins with joining millions of other Americans
in 24 hours of smoke-free living? This special day is a declaration that
it is possible to quit smoking and that this goal is accomplished one
day at a time.
Atlantic General Hospital, in conjunction with the Worcester County Health
Department, would like to help smokers on their way by holding a number
of Smoking Cessation Clinics on November 16. These clinics include blood
pressure screenings; handouts of free “quit kits” that includes
gum, stress clay and other tools to keep the mouth and hands busy when
cravings hit; information about quitting smoking, available smoking cessation
drugs, and smoking cessation classes provided in the area; the opportunity
to sign a quit smoking pledge form; and a t-shirt.
Great American Smokeout Smoking Cessation Clinics
Happy Harry’s, Ocean Pines; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (pulmonary
function screenings)
Apple Discount Drugs, Berlin; 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (pulmonary
function screenings)
Snow Hill Pharmacy, Snow Hill; 12 p.m. – 2:00p.m. (carbon monoxide
screenings)
City Discount Drugs, Pocomoke; 12 p.m. –2:00p.m. (carbon monoxide
screenings)
“To increase your chances of quitting successfully, you need to
plan ahead,” says Cathy Sanders, director of respiratory care at
Atlantic General Hospital. “Studies have shown that choosing a quit
date well in advance; deciding what, if any, medications to use during
your journey toward being a non-smoker; and gathering adequate support,
whether from friends, family or a support group, are crucial.”
Atlantic General Hospital will also be providing blood pressure screenings
during the Smoke Free Me: Choosing Health Over Hazard Conference to be
held at WorWic College on November 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 7:30 p.m.
special guest Brenda Bell Caffee, creator of “Not in Mama’s
Kitchen” secondhand smoke program, will speak.
For more information about any of these Great American Smokeout events,
contact Dawn Denton, community education coordinator, at 410-641-9268.