DES MOINES — Every May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) fights big tobacco by celebrating World No Tobacco Day.
The global event is being recognized by Quitline Iowa, which is offering eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) — patches, gum or lozenges — to eligible participants enrolling in the no-cost program.
Globally, six million people die each year because of alcohol-related causes, and 600,000 of those are people who die from second-hand smoke. WHO expects that number to increase to eight million annually by 2030, if nothing is done.
Those numbers can be decreased with programs such as Quitline Iowa, which pairs tobacco users with a Quit Coach to help them develop a quitting plan and determine what NRT offering is best to help them stay quit for good.
A Quit Coach also will help those enrolling in the program by:
• Preparing participants for their quit date
• Helping develop an individualized Quitting Plan
• Providing tips and support to live in a smoke-free environment
• Offering advice and information on medications that may help with withdrawal symptoms.
Iowa state residents can take advantage of the program by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visiting www.quitlineiowa.org to enroll. Registration specialists and Quit Coaches are available 24 hours a day.
