COVINGTON, Ga.  - The American Cancer Society states that cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of numerous cancers and that an estimated 21 million people in the United States have died because of tobacco use since 1964. Quitting smoking, even after many years of prolonged use, can help a person lead a longer and healthier life and Piedmont Newton Hospital can help.

Piedmont Newton offers the course Fresh Start, a free, two-week program, that can help participants get and stay smoke-free. The first meeting gets the group ready to quit and lets the participants know what to expect. In the second meeting, each participant teams up with a buddy and starts talking specifics and making a plan.

“The group concept really helps people in the class stay accountable and encourage others to stay strong during a difficult time,” Chere Hall, RN, community health nurse and Fresh Start instructor for Piedmont Newton, said. “If someone has made up their mind that they are going to quit smoking, this class can help them kick the habit for good.”

The classes discuss how to interact with friends, family members and colleagues at work. The group discusses keys to successes and challenges they may face while quitting. Participants learn about healthy living and how to stay smoke-free long term. 

Fresh Start will be offered at Piedmont Newton two more times this year. The next class starts Aug. 6 and the final class for 2019 will start Nov. 5. Fresh Start meets at Piedmont Newton Hospital, 4181 Hospital Drive, NE from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visit piedmont.org/classes-and-events to register.