Freedom from Smoking Class available at MHP

Mahaska Health Partnership Respiratory Care will be offering Freedom from Smoking classes in January.

“One of the top New Year’s resolution made by people is to quit smoking,” said MHP Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Nurse Scott Robinson, RN. ” January is a great time to get started with a class that can help.” The MHP Freedom from Smoking classes will be offered in an eight-week format, beginning Tues., Jan. 19 through Mon., Feb. 22. The classes will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. in Cardiac Rehabilitation, located on the first floor of the hospital. Orientation for those wanting more information and to register will be held Tues, Jan. 5; also in Cardiac Rehabilitation.

According to the American Heart Association, smoking is the most important cause of preventable death. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke.

“From the moment a person makes the commitment to quit smoking, their body begins to repair itself,” Robison explained. “That is why it is never too late to quit.

“The Freedom from Smoking class will help participants work up to their ‘Quit Day’ and provide valuable tips, tools and support to help each person be successful,” Robison said.

Introduced in 1981, the Freedom from Smoking format was designed by numerous professionals associated with the American Lung Association. Their goal was to find what was working in the realm of smoking cessation and meet three goals for the new program; that it be medically and ethically sound, cost-effective and evidence-based. To date, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit.

Pre-registration is required by Tues, Jan. 5 for the Freedom from Smoking class. For more information and to register, contact Robison at 641-672-3174 or srobison@mahaskahealth.org.