Smoking cessation

Mercy Health REACH Services in Urbana is hosting a free, six-week series of smoking cessation classes starting this month.

The classes are led by a certified tobacco treatment specialist and are limited to six people for group interaction and COVID-19 safety, according to a release from Mercy Health. Participants will receive nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges provided at no cost while supplies last, as well as carbon monoxide testing. A free $10 gas card will also be offered to participants for each session while supplies last.

The Urbana classes will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays in the offices of Mercy Health REACH Services–urbana, second-floor conference room at 904 Scioto St., on Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15.

Participants will develop a personalized quit plan that addresses triggers and how to remove temptations, overcome barriers, change negative habits and develop new skills; discuss addiction, brain chemistry, tobacco toxins, consequences of tobacco use and how to prevent relapse; explore the signs of recovery and healing, the physical benefits of quitting smoking, weight management, healthy eating, exercise, if a cardiopulmonary wellness and rehabilitation program can help improve participants’ quality of life, and assistance with smokeless tobacco and vaping.

The instructor also suggests for each attendee to sign up for the Ohio Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-7848669) for additional support while quitting, and Mercy Health can also help with scheduling lung cancer screenings for eligible participants.

To register or for more information, contact Marcy Ivory at REACH at 937-3905333.