Danbury Hospital Plans Stop Smoking Classes

DANBURY — Danbury Hospital’s “Quit Now” comprehensive smoking cessation program will begin on Tuesday, September 7, at Danbury Hospital. The program includes a group series of six one-hour classes that are conducted at the hospital.

Program instructor Marianne Mitchell is a registered nurse and nurse practitioner with more than 12 years of experience treating and supporting people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She previously served as the hospital’s pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator and is a certified instructor of the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program.

“‘Quit Now’ uses a combination of medication therapy, behavior modification, and ongoing support services to help more people quit smoking. It also provides consultation/assessment, counseling, treatment planning, group programs and a support group,” said Ms Mitchell.

Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year. Smoking costs the United States approximately $97.2 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity. It is directly responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association.

Meeting on six consecutive Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 pm in the Praxair Cancer Center Conference Room at Danbury Hospital, “Quit Now” covers the basics of nicotine addiction, methods for quitting and behavior modification, exercise and nutrition, stress management and relaxation techniques, and relapse prevention.

“Stay Quit” is a monthly support group that meets at Danbury Hospital for graduates of Quit Now. The group helps with relapse prevention by providing ongoing support.

Cost of the “Quit Now” program is $150. For more information, or to register, call 731-8732. Arrangements also can be made for work-site programs at area corporations or individual sessions.