Immediate Release
December 14, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. Having a hard time kicking the habit? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths in this country; smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. To help Clermont County citizens go smoke free, the Clermont County General Health District is offering free Quit Smoking Classes beginning Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Two six-week classes are being offered; one class begins at 1 p.m. and the other is at 6:30 p.m. “This is a wonderful opportunity for smokers to keep that New Year’s resolution to kick the habit,” said Carol Kisner with the Clermont General Health District. The classes will be held at the Union Township Civic Center, located at 4350 Aicholtz Road.
“We have a limited number of spaces in the classes, so we encourage those interested to reserve a spot early by calling (513) 735-8400,” said Kisner. The classes are taught by a tobacco treatment specialist certified by the Mayo Clinic. “This six week program has a high success rate,” added Kisner. “Participants will receive a month’s worth of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches, gum, or lozenges.”
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports an estimated 26 million men and 21 million women are smokers; the ACS reports that 80 percent of smokers questioned in a recent survey said they would not light up if they had to do it all over again.
“It is much more important to learn how to quit, than to actually want to quit,” said Bruce Barcello, facilitator for the Quit Smoking Classes. Hundreds of people have quit smoking using the program. To register for the free program, contact the Clermont County General Health District at (513) 735-8400.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.