Free Quit Smoking Classes on the West Side in November

The holidays are fast approaching and maybe you’ve decided to give yourself and everyone who loves you the gift of health by quitting smoking. Mercy Health - Cincinnati, which provides advanced, quality, compassionate care in your neighborhood through its care network, can help you achieve your goal with a series of free quit smoking classes starting at West Hospital in November. West Hospital is located off North Bend Road just south of I-74 at 3300 Mercy Health Blvd., Cincinnati 45211.

We invite smokers and their family members to register for the classes. They take place in the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department, Suite 550, in the medical office building attached to the hospital on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, November 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 14, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, November 16, 6-7 p.m.

The class size is limited to 15 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 513-215-9180 by Friday, November 3, to register.

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.