Church hosts class to help quit smoking
The Church of God of Prophecy in Hamlet is hosting a First Quit class for the community tonight from 6 to 8 p.m.
Pastor Steve Cruz contacted health educator Cindy Laton at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital to hold a program for those who are attempting to quit smoking or citizens who are thinking about it.
“It is a joint program through the church and FirstHealth,” said Cruz. “It is another way for us to reach out to the community. I think there are a lot of people who want to quit.”
Laton also feels it is important to offer programs in the community to help people feel comfortable in their surroundings.
“It is important that we are taking it outside the hospital and putting it in the community,” explained Laton.
The program last two hours and is designed to handle behavioral, lifestyle, and tobacco triggers.
Laton explained that during the class they talk about when a person uses tobacco such as after they eat or during a stressful time or if they use tobacco as a reward. They also discuss the different reasons for wanting to quit and what will work best. The class uses a booklet and a quit smoking plan to walk the individuals through the process.
“We try to help everyone create a program individually,” said Laton.
At this time a lot of people are looking into quitting smoking explained Laton. As laws are changing that prohibit tobacco use in restaurants, bars and some businesses.
After the first program those who attend will be given a two week supply of smoking cessation aides. They will have patches, lozenges, and gums available.
After a week attendees are asked to set up another meeting with Laton at their convenience to review what is working for them and obtain another two weeks of cessation medication.
“There is a fee associated with the class, but it is based on a sliding fee scale,” said Laton.
Read more: Richmond County Daily Journal – Church hosts class to help quit smoking
by Cameron Quick, yourdailyjournal.com, June 8th, 2010