Mercy Health Offers Free Quit Smoking Classes

It’s the dog days of summer and maybe you’ve finally reached the point where you’re dog-tired of smoking. Will this be the season you finally kick the habit and quit? If so, Mercy Health can help.

Mercy Health - Cincinnati, which provides advanced, quality, compassionate care in your neighborhood through its care network, invites smokers and their families to register for a free series of smoking cessation education classes starting at Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital in August.

The class size is limited to 10 for comfortable group interaction and discussion. Groups discuss any changes they have made that helped them stay quit as well as quitting issues they need help overcoming. Class leaders recommend that attendees go to all of the classes because they build on each other to help the participant develop a personalized quit plan. Please call 513-603-8601 to register by Monday, August 14.

The classes take place from 6-7 p.m. in a staff lounge on the main level of the hospital, which is located at 3000 Mack Road, Fairfield 45014. From the main lobby facing the desk, attendees will take the hallway to the right of the gift shop. The lounge is on the left directly across from Human Resources. Signs at the main lobby desk will point the way.

The classes take place on the following dates:

• Tuesday, August 15
• Wednesday, Wednesday, August 16
• Tuesday, August 22
• Wednesday, August 23

Mercy Health’s program follows the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart program, with each class building on the previous class to explore physical and psychological aspects of nicotine addiction.

Class One is called “Decide to Quit.” It covers the negative health consequences of smoking and helps motivate attendees to quit the habit.

Class Two is the “Plan to Quit” class and it takes attendees through choosing a quit date, medications that can help smokers quit the habit, the importance of support and building a support group and preparing for the quit date.

Class Three is called “Your Quit Day.” This class covers topics such as how to quit successfully, dealing with nicotine withdrawal and cravings and positive thinking.

Class Four is the “Staying Quit” class. It covers mental planning, recovering from slips and lung screenings and provides information about the Ohio Quit Line.

The instructor suggests each attendee sign up for the Ohio Quit Line for additional support while quitting.