With any conscious behavior change, it usually takes a set of actions to make the new habits stick. Stopping smoking for good is no different, and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is offering free programs that incorporate a set of aids for success.
The Cooper/Clayton method [4], developed initially by two University of Kentucky faculty members, is the basis of free classes offered in Louisville now into September. Participants will attend 13 weekly meetings for support, and use nicotine replacement patches and/or gum, which will also be provided free in this program. The program boasts a 42 percent success rate for those completing the 13 weeks, compared to 5 percent for those with neither of these tools and 9 percent for those using nicotine replacement alone.
Pre-register for one of the class series by emailing StopSmoking@louisvilleky.gov, calling 502-574-STOP, or going online to the Stop Smoking Class Schedule [5].
The upcoming schedule of classes:
April 6- Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm, St. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Medical Plaza 1 Conference Room, 4402 Churchman Ave., 40215
April 7- Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, Mt. Washington City Annex. Call 955-5355 for more information
April 8- Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00pm, Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway, 40216
April 16- Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm, Family Health Center Portland, 2215 Portland Ave., 40212
April 17- Fridays, 12:00–1:00pm, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Krista Lloyd Cancer Resource Center, 529 South Jackson Street, 40202
April 20- Mondays, 10:30-11:30am, Family Health Center Portland, 2215 Portland Ave., 40212
May 5- Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00pm, Family Health Center Portland, 2215 Portland Ave., 40212
May 7- Thursdays, 12:00-1:00pm, Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Highway, 40272
May 19- Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm, Family Health Center East Broadway, 834 East Broadway, 40204
June 2- Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm, YMCA Southwest, 2800 Fordhaven Road, 40214
July 7- Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway, 40216
September 1- Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm, YMCA Southwest, 2800 Fordhaven Road, 40214
With no charge for the classes, all you have to do is make the commitment of your time and effort to improve your health.
Photo: Shutterstock Copyright: Piotr Marcinski