Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Awareness

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year, nearly one in every five deaths nationwide.

While these numbers are concerning, there is also encouraging news: quitting tobacco can significantly improve your health at any age, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Why Quitting Matters

Smoking and tobacco use affect nearly every organ in the body. Tobacco use increases the risk of:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Lung cancer and other cancers
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Respiratory illnesses
• Diabetes complications
• Reduced immune system function

The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Within hours, your body starts to recover, and over time your risk for serious health conditions decreases.

Quitting Is a Journey

Many people attempt to quit several times before they quit for good. This is normal. Nicotine is highly addictive, and quitting can come with challenges such as cravings, irritability, stress, and withdrawal symptoms.

The important thing to remember is that every quit attempt is a step forward. Each attempt helps you learn what works best for you and brings you closer to becoming tobacco-free.

Support Makes a Difference

Research shows that people are more successful when they use proven cessation methods and have support throughout the process.

Counseling

Counseling can help you:

• Create a personalized quit plan
• Identify triggers and develop coping strategies
• Manage stress and cravings
• Stay motivated throughout your quit journey

Medications

Smoking cessation medications can help:

• Reduce nicotine cravings
• Ease withdrawal symptoms
• Increase your chances of successfully quitting

For many individuals, using counseling and medication together provides the greatest chance of long-term success.

How NEW Health Can Help

At NEW Health, we understand that quitting tobacco is a personal journey. Our care teams can work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs and goals. Whether you’re ready to quit today or simply thinking about making a change, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call today to schedule an appointment: 509-935-6004.

Small changes can lead to lasting results, and it’s never too late to improve your health.

Take the First Step

If you’re interested in learning more about smoking and tobacco cessation resources, talk with your healthcare provider at NEW Health. Together, we can help you build a plan for a healthier, tobacco-free future.

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