As of 2013 – almost 18 percent of Americans smoke with 10 percent vaping – that is using an electronic inhaler to ingest flavors that sometimes includes nicotine. Valley Behavioral Health in Summit County wants to help those who want to make healthier lifestyle choices and is offering a seven week tobacco cessation course, Courage to Quit. The course will be taught by registered nurse Michelle Alnawafleh starting next week.
“I have an English speaking program that will be starting next Wednesday a week from today, Oct 5, starts at 4:30 pm for one hour, seven Wednesdays," Alnawafleh said. "It will be at Park City Medical Center – the new hospital. They’ve provided their private dining room just off of the Silver King Café, their cafeteria. …We’re also going to be offering classes in Spanish. I unfortunately don’t speak Spanish but we will have a translator and we’ll have booklets in Spanish and that will be at the People’s Health Clinic and that starts on Nov. 7.”
Because it takes an average of five to seven attempts to stop smoking - the program starts with a 32 percent success rate but after a few months she said it drops down to 18 percent.
“And so I always say to my clients, ‘We’ll try it again. No worries, you’re learning how to quit. If it doesn’t work this time, we’ll do it again,” Alnawafleh said.
Most experts agree that nicotine is the most addictive substance on earth. She said the program isn’t just for smokers – she has helped those who chew tobacco and even those who vape, believing it to be harmless.
“Vaping has flavors and scents in it that they believe are damaging to the lungs they’re starting to find now,” Alnawafleh said.
The cost for the program is $15 which covers supplies including a booklet she says is crucial for success. For Spanish speakers, the course is underwritten by the People’s Health Clinic and they can call Rachel Barnett at 435 333-1885 to register for the course.
For more information, you can email michelleal@valleycares.com or call 435 649-8347.