The start to a healthier lifestyle can be as simple as a phone call away
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Connecticut Department of Public Health
December 31, 2013 Contact: William Gerrish
(860) 509-7270
Hartford — Tobacco users are encouraged to ring in the New Year by calling the Connecticut Quitline for free help at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
The Connecticut Quitline is a free service for Connecticut residents that provides tobacco use cessation, counseling, resources and support to those who want to be tobacco free. The Quitline is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Getting help is easy by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-855-DEJELO-YA for Spanish. Connecticut residents can also register online at www.quitnow.net/connecticut.
At the Connecticut Quitline professionally trained Quit Coaches can:
· Prepare callers for their quit date
· Help callers design an individualized quit plan
· Offer techniques on handling social situations that may involve tobacco
· Assist callers with seeking support from friends and families
· Provide information regarding medication options to help with withdrawal symptoms
Many Quit Coaches are former smokers themselves.
People who want to quit tobacco can also access information at BECOMEANEX.ORG, a website sponsored by the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation, of which Connecticut is a member.
Tobacco users seeking group or individual counseling in person can contact tobacco use cessation programs available in communities across the state. These programs are listed on the DPH Tobacco Program’s website at www.ct.gov/dph/tobacco. Many of the programs are free or low cost to the participant.
More than 440,000 adults in Connecticut are cigarette smokers, and every year in Connecticut, more than 4,700 people die from smoking-related diseases. For more information on Connecticut tobacco use prevention initiatives, legislation and statistics, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s website at http://www.ct.gov/dph/tobacco
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