Quit for Good

Breathe Better with a Tobacco Cessation Program at Burnett Medical Center

We all know the statistics but just in case you needed to hear it again: yes, smoking causes lung cancer. In fact, according to www.CDC.org, people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke. Even smoking a few cigarettes a day or smoking occasionally increases the risk of lung cancer. The more years a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the more the risk goes up.

The best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is easier said than done – quit smoking. Why is it so hard to quit? That answer is easier – nicotine. Nicotine is the chemical that makes you addicted and when you try to quit, your body goes into withdrawal mode. Although smoking is less taboo than other substance addictions, it is still considered highly addictive and, therefore, really difficult to quit. The same applies to vaping. Vaping devices are rising in popularity with both youth and adults, and many of them contain nicotine. These devices also carry their own set of health risks.

If you’ve thought about or have made the decision to quit smoking or vaping, you aren’t alone in your journey. Tobacco cessation programs like the one offered at Burnett Medical Center are evidence-based programs that help with long-term success to quit smoking and vaping. 

Quitting isn’t easy. This is primarily due to nicotine withdrawal, and your daily triggers. Burnett Medical Center’s free tobacco cessation program is led by an RN who has specialized training. She will help you succeed in quitting all forms of tobacco including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes and vapes. You can expect an individualized plan for quitting, discussion of medications to help with the quitting process and ongoing support, counseling and follow-up. 

Even if you haven’t made the decision to quit, you can still book an appointment at Burnett Medical Center to discuss options. Call 715-463-5353 or talk to your provider about the program.