October is Healthy Lung Month, and Great Care and the American Lung Association hope a new online program can help seniors kick the habit this fall.
According to the American Lung Association, its Freedom From Smoking Plus® interactive, comprehensive quit-smoking program is more accessible than ever. Designed as a self-paced online experience, the association describes it as an innovative, best-in-class cessation program unlike any other available.
“There are now more former smokers in the U.S. than current smokers, and many of them have the Freedom From Smoking® program to thank,” says the nonprofit that works to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education and advocacy.
“Hundreds of thousands smokers have already quit with Lung Association; Freedom From Smoking® helps each person create a custom quit-smoking plan in a format that works best for their learning style.”
The proven-effective program is now available through a new highly-interactive online format that guides smokers through a personalized strategy and offers access to a variety of online and in-person support.
Freedom From Smoking also allows participants to access support by calling a certified tobacco cessation expert or registered nurse through the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine—1-800-LUNGUSA — or chat to other quitters through the Quit Now: Freedom From Smoking online community.
“I’ve quit so many things, and quitting smoking is the hardest,” said Pamala Dame, former smoker and Freedom From Smoking graduate. George Garcia remembers that he “tried everything and still had so many cravings. Freedom From Smoking helped, and I’ve been smokefree since 2007.”
These are the services provided through the American Lung Association for quitting smoking:
• Online: Freedom From Smoking® Plus, a new self-paced online program in a highly engaging and interactive format that allows users to create a quit plan, track their progress and engage with other quitters online.
• In-person clinics: Small group settings offer personalized attention and peer support, and includes guidance from a trained facilitator, group discussion and skills practice to address a range of learning styles.
• Self-help: Freedom From Smoking: The Guide to Help You Quit Smoking is an interactive self-guided manual incorporates the latest research in addiction and behavior change, and helps users tackle the difficulties of quitting with real-life tactics.
“Quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health, and although those first steps can be hard, finding your path to a smokefree life is easier with the right help,” said Bill Blatt, National Director of Tobacco Programs at the American Lung Association.
“The Freedom From Smoking program, whether you choose our new Freedom From Smoking Plus option, in-person clinics, telephone support, or self-help guide, is a proven way to quit smoking—and stay quit—even if you’ve tried before. We know every smoker can quit for good, and these new options support you along the way however you’re most comfortable.”
Learn more about Freedom From Smoking and Freedom From Smoking Plus at freedomfromsmoking.org and read more stories of Americans who quit for good with the support of the American Lung Association and who now celebrate #TheDayIQuit.
For more information about lung health, defeating lung cancer, and the American Lung Association, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
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