February is American Heart Month and the perfect time to quit tobacco

Baptist Health Louisville offers free virtual tobacco cessation program.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 24,2021) – February is American Heart Month. Show your heart some love by quitting tobacco.

A number of heart diseases are caused by smoking, including high blood pressure, stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Smoking can also increase your risk for lung cancer.

Quitting tobacco is hard. So hard in fact, that it takes most people multiple quit attempts before they are able to quit for good. By quitting, you can feel better, reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and other health problems and add years to your life.

Your chances of a successful quit increase with every attempt you make. Baptist Health Louisville has partnered with Kentucky Cancer Program to offer Plan to be Tobacco Free, a free, one-time virtual class for anyone thinking about quitting tobacco.

During the one-hour class, participants will learn about tobacco use and nicotine addiction, over the counter nicotine replacement products (gum, patch) and how to use them, prescription medication options available from your physician, resources available in the community for support, and how to develop a personal plan to quit.

Classes meet the first Wednesday of the month from 3:00pm - 4:00pm. 

There is no charge for attendance, but you need to register in advance. To register, please call the Cancer Resource Center at 502.928.8792. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.