Health Department Talks Smoking Cessation Resources

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smoking5-4

This Friday is “World No Tobacco Day” as recognized by the World Health Organization. The annual campaign is used as a way to remind people of the dangers of smoking. The Berrien County Health Department’s Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News those who have decided to quit have many resources available. First up, she recommends calling the Michigan Tobacco Quitline. The number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

“It provides free counselling, and that can be provided in the way of phone calls, text messages with a personal quit coach who will help you along the way, and they also offer free nicotine replacement therapies,” Conrad said.

Conrad says those who have support when they quit are much more successful than those who go it alone. She also tells us a major concern among the healthcare community is vaping. Conrad says it’s thought around 15% of teens now use e-cigarettes, which are also addictive. She says parents can call the health department for information on e-cigarette use prevention.