Trying to quit smoking can become a habit itself for some people. It can take some smokers six to 10 tries before they finally stop, despite the warnings of the risks involved with smoking.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 21 percent of Floridians are smokers. Reducing the number of people who smoke could also cut the rate of tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions and reproductive issues.
Lani VanSickle, manager of the Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing, meets with Jack Benoit, a program participant.
To help achieve that goal, the Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing created a 12-week smoking-cessation program that not only addresses quitting smoking, but the need for balance in a persons life. The program, which initially was targeted for Martin Memorial Associates before being made available to the public, is designed to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for successful participants.
The program is based on a blend of complementary health education and smoking-cessation drug therapy. Participants learn various aspects of quitting smoking and behavior modification tools to start them on their journey to a healthier life. Living Tobacco Free classes feature speakers such as a pharmacist, physician, registered nurse, registered dietitian, an exercise specialist, behavior counselor and health educator.
Participants learn about balancing elements in their lives, including physical activity, weight management, psychological and emotional health, relaxation techniques and relapse management.
Living Tobacco Free participants also learn about smoking-cessation drugs. They have an option to use the new drug Chantix, which must be prescribed by a doctor. The quit rate for people who use Chantix alone is 44 percent. Martin Memorial has found that combining behavior modification with Chantix yielded a quit rate of 75 percent.
“One would think that with all the knowledge (available) of the terrible consequences that will come from smoking, it would be easy to quit.,” said Jack Benoit, a program participant who has smoked for 53 years. “This stop-smoking program is a wonderful tool for those who are (and will admit they are) addicted and really want to quit.”
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