‘Quit Now’ Smoking Cessation Classes Begin January 4

DANBURY — There are many personal as well as health-related issues that may have finally motivated the decision to quit smoking in 2005. Whatever the reasons, Danbury Hospital is ready to help those who want to start the New Year smoke free.

Danbury Hospital starts six weeks of comprehensive smoking cessation classes on Tuesday, January 4, from 6 to 7 pm. The six consecutive Tuesday classes take place in the Praxair Cancer Center conference room, and covers the basics of nicotine addiction, methods for quitting and behavior modification, exercise and nutrition, stress management and relaxation techniques, and relapse prevention.

“Smoking is responsible for approximately 83 percent of lung cancers and is associated with cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, cervix, kidney, colon, and bladder,” said Marianne Mitchell, an advanced practice registered nurse and “Quit Now” instructor. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking also accounts for a least 30 percent of all cancer deaths, and is associated with conditions ranging from colds and allergies to asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease.

Danbury Hospital’s “Quit Now” smoking cessation program 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, according to Ms Mitchell.

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

Cost of the six-week “Quit Now” smoking cessation program is $150. For more information or to register, call Marianne Mitchell, APRN, at 731-8732. Arrangements also can be made to provide work-site smoking cessation programs at local corporations or individual sessions.