More than 1.7 Million Floridians Want to Quit Smoking Completely 

Okaloosa County, Fla. – A new year is a new opportunity to set health goals and stick with them. For many, it is a chance to quit tobacco. Fortunately, Okaloosa residents don’t have to do it alone. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and the Tobacco Free Florida program have free, proven-effective resources that can double a tobacco user’s chances of quitting.

There are plenty of reasons to quit. Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to one’s life expectancy. The health benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately after one’s last cigarette and continue for years if one quits for good.

“No matter how long you have smoked, you are always better off if you quit,” Karen Chapman, MD, MPH, Director of DOH-Okaloosa, said. “It’s never too late to quit smoking. Make 2015 the year you try for the first time or you try again!”

Quitting tobacco may be difficult, but it is not impossible. There are more former smokers than current smokers in the state. Those who have tried to quit in the past but relapsed shouldn’t be discouraged; quitting smoking may require several attempts.

Tobacco Free Florida helps tobacco users create comprehensive and personalized quit plans, which increase the chance of success. Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like the patch or a combination of the patch and nicotine gum, is available while supplies last and if medically appropriate.

Tobacco Free Florida offers 3 Free & Easy Ways to Quit:
• CALL: Call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach® who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.
• CLICK: Tobacco Free Florida’s online cessation tool can be accessed at tobaccofreeflorida.com/webcoach.
• COME IN: Sign up for group classes at the local Area Health Education Center (AHEC) by calling (850) 682-2552 or visiting 1455 South Ferdon Blvd., Suite B-1, Crestview, Florida 32536.

“The number of cigarette smokers in Florida has reached an all-time low, yet too many residents struggle with tobacco’s deadly addiction,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “While every person will have a unique path to overcoming tobacco addiction, many can greatly benefit from the state’s evidence-based resources that are available free of charge.”