2005 Press Releases
Hospital hosts smoking cessation clinic ROME – A stop smoking clinic will be held at Rome Memorial Hospital 6:30 p.m. Mondays, starting November 7, in the first floor classroom. The four-week program, which runs through November 28, is based on the American Cancer Society’s “Fresh Start” program, combining information and support to help smokers break the addiction. Participants should plan to attend all four sessions for best results. “It’s hard to quit smoking,” said Marilyn Palinski, RN, Fresh Start Coordinator at Rome Memorial Hospital. “Research shows that smokers are most successful in overcoming smoking when they have some means of support, such as nicotine replacement products, counseling, guide books, and the encouragement of friends and family members,” she said. The clinic coincides with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on November 17th which will also offer support for anyone who wishes to stop smoking. “Every year, smokers across the nation take part in that event by smoking less or quitting for the day on the third Thursday of November,” she said. “This Smokeout challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many ways to quit smoking.” Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking causes approximately 440,000 premature deaths in the United States annually. The CDC estimates that cigarettes rob smokers of about 14 years of life on average. “People often complain that quitting is expensive because of the cost of patches and other smoking-cessation aids. However, a pack-a-day smoker easily spends more than $1,000 a year on cigarettes, far more than the cost of quitting,” Palinski noted. Anyone who registers for the clinic may also qualify for free nicotine replacement therapy through the New York State Smokers’ Quitline. There is a $10 registration fee for the four-week program, due at the first session. The clinic is limited to 12 people and advance registration is required by Wednesday, November 2. Please call the hospital at 338-7143 to register. | 