“Quest to Quit” Series Starts at North Oaks to Help Tobacco Users
If you or a loved one has resolved to stop using tobacco in 2007, you are in good company. Quitting smoking is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions in the nation, according to firstgov.gov, the official U.S. Government web portal.

Stay true to your resolution of ending tobacco dependency through participation in the North Oaks “Quest to Quit,” on January 9 and 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond.

Quest to Quit is a new, free two-part class series designed to support and encourage tobacco users who wish to become tobacco-free. North Oaks Registered Respiratory Therapist Tracy LeBlanc will teach participants how to prepare to quit and about the skills, behaviors and medications that may facilitate success.

On January 1, 2007, Louisiana will become the nineteenth state in the nation to enact smoke-free legislation. The Louisiana Smoke-free Air Act, also known as Act 815, prohibits smoking in most public buildings, including restaurants, hospitals and places of employment.

“Act 815 presents excellent motivation to stop smoking or using tobacco and begin reaping the health benefits,” comments North Oaks Community Education Coordinator Sherry Beall. Ex-smokers have fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia and enjoy a better quality of life and health status, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, no matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will help you live longer. For example, those who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half when compared to those who continue to smoke.

North Oaks became totally tobacco-free 1 year ago and strengthened its longstanding commitment to support anyone wishing to quit smoking or using tobacco in an effort to improve lives. According to smokefree.gov, tobacco use may cause many health problems, including heart disease, respiratory ailments, stroke and cancer. The adverse effects of cigarette smoking account for nearly one of every five deaths nationwide each year.

Registration is required for Quest to Quit. To sign up, please call the North Oaks Scheduling Department at
(985) 230-7777.