Tobacco use is the leading cause of needless death in Wisconsin, the United States, and the world. It can cause disease and disability and harms nearly every organ in the body. Younger groups are smoking cigarettes less than older age groups, but the rise of e-cigarettes and vaping has shown that tobacco products still affect all ages.
No matter how old you are or how long you have been smoking or vaping, it is never too late to decide to quit. Quitting lowers your risk for major health problems like heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. It will also remove the harmful health effects of secondhand smoke on your loved ones. The nicotine in these products makes them highly addictive, so it can be very hard to stop despite knowing these risks. The good news is that many useful options are out there to help you quit for good.
One of the first steps to quitting smoking or vaping is to know why you are quitting. Write down a list of reasons you want to stop and make a plan by setting a quit date. Plan how you will handle triggers and cravings without smoking or vaping. Let family, friends, and co-workers know about your plan to quit and ask for their support. There are tools that can help; the goal is to find what works best for you.
“One tool that can make quitting easier is medication. This option can help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that keep you going back,” explains Bronwyn Dilley, Nurse Practitioner at Family Health La Clinica. “Medication and counseling together will give you the best chance of quitting with success. If you have been thinking about quitting, why not make a plan to quit for the New Year? Now is the time to pledge for a healthier you!” If you would like to schedule an appointment at their clinic located at 400 S Townline Rd in Wautoma to find out more, call toll-free at 1-800-942-5330.
Family Health La Clinica (FHLC) is a community health center (CHC) that offers primary medical, dental, mental health, and substance abuse services to people of all ages and income levels, both insured and uninsured. Family Health accepts private insurance, Medicaid (BadgerCare) and Medicare, and has a sliding fee discount program for those who qualify. For more information, visit their website at www.famhealth.com or find them on social media @fhlcchc.
