Smoking cessation

We know the dangers. We know the importance of quitting. But for many smokers, kicking the nicotine habit is no small feat.

A local smoking cessation class began June 5 and is being offered free to the community. Based on the Freedom From Smoking Program, the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center and Saint Francis Medical Center are offering the program in a group environment geared to help increase the likelihood of long-term success in living a smoke-free life.

A 2011 study by the Department of Health and Senior Services reported that Southeast Missouri counties have a large portion of residents who smoke. In fact, about one-third of the population in many local counties smoke. In Cape Girardeau County, there were an estimated 1,271 smoking-related deaths from 1999 to 2009.

While the group is one week into the program, those still interested are welcome to join today or June 19. Participants will meet at 11 a.m. today at the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, 1121 Linden St. To register, call Darah Jirkovsky at 275-7880 or email djirkovsky@breathehealthy.org.

Hats off to the public health center and Saint Francis for offering this program free to the community. The decision to stop smoking is an important one and can lead to better health for you and your family. If you are looking to quit and need support, this program is a good place to start.