You cannot go back and make a new beginning, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending. – James Sherman 

Is It Your Quit Day? We Can Help.

Maybe you’ve tried to kick the tobacco habit before. Maybe you even succeeded for a while before temptation snuck up on you and you found yourself puffing away before you could talk yourself out of it. Whether this is your first, fifteenth or fiftieth time to quit smoking, Hancock Health is here to help you on this important journey. 

Quitting smoking inevitably leads to a happier, healthier life. Did you know that quitting smoking reduces the risk of premature death and can add up to 10 years to your life? Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other ailments, you still stand to be exponentially better off without tobacco and nicotine in your life. 

What’s stopping you from quitting? We know that nicotine is powerfully addictive, and cigarettes are designed to deliver a quick hit to your brain when you smoke. Your brain then releases chemicals saying it feels good, reinforcing the message. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on having nicotine as a constant companion, and it gets ornery when nicotine isn’t part of the daily routine. That’s why you might feel nervous or anxious when you try to quit, because your brain is annoyed that you took away its favorite high. 

You don’t have to do this alone. Hancock Health is here to help quitters succeed with support and resources. Everyone wins when you stop smoking, so take advantage of Hancock Health’s resources and referral services. 

Commit to Quit

Hancock Health offers a free Commit to Quit tobacco-cessation program for people who are ready to quit cigarettes, smokeless tobacco or e-cigarettes/vaping. This four-week program offers information and strategies designed to help participants change their habits and live tobacco-free lives. The Commit to Quit program uses the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center program as a guide for its classes. Weekly meetings provide support, education and a personalized plan with coping skills, stress management and tobacco-related disease management. You can find out more or register at https://www.hancockregionalhospital.org/wellness-education/classes/commit-to-quit-smoking-cessation-course/. 

Check out other educational resources for quitting tobacco

Hancock Health maintains a list of support groups and information sources for people who are ready to quit smoking. These include the Hancock County Tobacco Free Coalition, a free Indiana Tobacco Quitline, and websites such as the American Cancer Society and SmokeFree.gov. See the full list at https://www.behealthy365.org/about/quit-smoking/.  

Partner with your physician

Some smokers find it easier to quit with the help of smoking-cessation medicines or nicotine-replacement therapy. Prescription medications such as Chantix or Zyban may be effective tools against nicotine addiction. However, these or other prescription medications all carry the risks of side effects and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Are you looking for a good primary care physician? Hancock Regional Hospital can help you find a physician who is conveniently located and committed to helping you find your best healthy life. 

If you’re ready to quit smoking, we’re here to help. Find out more about our smoking-cessation classes and other resources.