THINKING OF QUITTING SMOKING?
Have you been thinking about quitting smoking? The Commercial Tobacco Cessation Program at Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Health and Human Services offers support if you are interested in quitting. The program respects everyone’s individual journey and does not try to convince people to quit; everybody must make that decision for themselves. Smoking cessation counseling can help you to identify the role that smoking plays in your life. Quitting smoking is most effective when individuals use both a nicotine replacement therapy/medication therapy combined with cessation counseling. NRT is available for free through the clinic pharmacy and counseling services are free through the Population Health Department’s tobacco grant.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM COUNSELING?
Cessation counseling is not forceful; it’s up to the individual if they would like to quit. Sarah can help by being somebody to talk to as you work towards being smoke-free. There is no rush, and maybe you’d just like to talk about your thoughts on how smoking affects your life. Maybe you aren’t really interested in quitting any time soon. If you would like to work towards quitting, she’ll discuss with you the reasons you smoke, what you like and don’t like about smoking, and why you want to quit. She will then help you build a plan that will aid your success.
WHAT IF I’VE TRIED TO QUIT BEFORE AND IT DIDN’T WORK?
Sometimes quitting can take multiple attempts. With each quit attempt, you learn more about yourself and can make a plan to be more successful the next time! The only way to fail at quitting for sure is to never even try.
IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE, I’VE ALREADY BEEN SMOKING MOST OF MY LIFE.
It’s never too late to quit! Even if you’ve smoked for many years, quitting can reduce your risk of many diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Additionally, secondhand smoke impacts family and friends we spend time with. Quitting now can help to protect young ones from getting sick.
I KNOW PEOPLE WHO SMOKED THEIR WHOLE LIFE AND NEVER GOT SICK!
Some people may be able to smoke their whole lives and not recognize how it impacts their body. Even if they don’t develop cancer, smoking can impact your wellbeing by making daily activities and breathing more difficult and can contribute to poorer mental health. Smoking also has long-term effects other than cancer such as increasing your risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Call the Ne-Ia-Shing clinic (320-532-4163) and ask to make an appointment with Sarah Larson, the tobacco cessation counselor. Or, contact Sarah directly with any questions you may have: 320-532-4163, ext. 2540, or sarah.larson@hhs.millelacsband-nsn.gov.
IS THERE ANYWHERE ELSE I CAN GO FOR HELP QUITTING?
The American Indian Quitline also provides counseling services and NRT. They have services online, over the phone, through text messages, and other resources. Call 1-833-9AI-QUIT (1-833-924-7848) or go online to AIQUIT.com.
