The City of Charlestown and Community Action of Southern Indiana have teamed up to participate in The Great American Smokeout. Quitting smoking isn't easy. Start your journey toward a smoke-free life with the help of a Quit-Kit Bag, which can be picked up at the Charlestown-Clark County Public Library on Nov. 18 (limited quantities available).
Note from Angie Moore, Community Action of Southern Indiana, Minority Tobacco Prevention Coordinator
For over 40 years the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in November, and this year it falls on Nov. 18. As Clark County’s Minority Tobacco Prevention, I would like to invite you to participate. The Great American Smokeout is a wonderful opportunity to make a date to quit, initiate a date to begin a smoking cessation plan, or challenge loved ones to quit or stop smoking.
If you are ready, the American Cancer Society offers 10 pointers.
1. First, remember that quitting is a process and there are available options to assist you with quitting. They suggest setting a quit date. Why not join this year’s Great American Smokeout day? It is suggested to set a date within two weeks to prepare to quit.
2. Outline your plan, decide how will you handle the temptation to cheat, how you will get help if you need it, and how will you stay positive?
3. Begin to drink more water to cleanse the body internally and help stay hydrated. Eat right to rep
4. Replenish the nutrients that are often deficient in smokers.
5. Stay fit, exercise will help you detox from the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes and it will help decrease your urge to lit up.
6. Tell your family and friends and your plans, they can provide a source of support.
7. Track your progress, keep in mind that small goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments build on each other and will help keep you motivated.
8. Reward yourself.
9. Anticipate and plan for challenges. The first few weeks of quitting smoking can be the hardest. It is normal to have uncomfortable feelings, temptations, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.
10. Be mindful to remove cigarettes from your home, car, and workplace. Stick to your plan and keep trying. Experts say that it takes 21 days to make a new habit and six months for a habit to become part of your personality.
Help is available. The Clark County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation program has resources to help. One incredible resource that is available is Quit Now Indiana. Quit Now Indiana is a free resource that’s goal is to provide resources to help Hoosiers quit smoking. Some of the resources include having a personalized quit coach. Quit coaches are individuals that are specialized in strategies to help people quit smoking. Quit coaches are available when you need them with 24-7 availability.
If you would rather text, Text2Quit may be the option for you. Text 2Quit is program that allows the participants to connect by text to a quit coach and web coach all from your smart phone. A web coach is an online tool that provides tools to help you quit. The tools include videos of smoking cessation, progress tracking, and the ability to interact with others.
Quit Now Indiana can also provide nicotine replacement aids at no cost.
To contact Quit Now Indiana, the number is 1-800-Quit-Now. If you are calling from a phone number with an outside of Indiana area code, the number 1-866-784-8454.
The Minority Clark County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition is available to assist employers provide resources to their employees to quit smoking and promote a smoke-free workplace. If you are interested in receiving resources, please contact Angie Moore, Minority Tobacco Prevention Coordinator at Community Action of Southern Indiana (CASI) at (812) 288-6451 extension 2122 or by email at Amoore@casi1.org. Like and follow Minority Tobacco Prevention of Clark County on Facebook.