Now's the time to quit smoking

Editor's note: This entry comes from Firelands Health's ongoing Empower Blog. Empower is a place for patients, families and Firelands staff to share their experiences, according to a health care organizational statement. SANDUSKY — Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. According to the 2024 surgeon general's report on smoking and tobacco use, "More than 490,000 deaths attributable to cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke are estimated to occur in the U.S. each year — about one in 5 of all deaths in the U.S." Every cigarette you smoke could shorten your life, but quitting at any age offers significant health benefits. You can reduce your risk of cancer, improve your heart health and regain lung function, among other advantages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to quit smoking While over-the-counter aids, like gum and patches, can be helpful, working with a health care professional dramatically increases your chances of success. A medical professional can: • Create a personalized quit plan tailored to your specific needs and health conditions • Recommend effective cessation methods, such as medications, therapy and support groups • Monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed Ditch the vape E-cigarettes/vapes might seem like a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but they still pose significant health risks: • Possibility of addiction: E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, the same addictive substance found in tobacco. Nicotine can also harm brain development in youths and young adults. • Potential for serious harm: Vapes can contain a variety of toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde and benzene, that may increase the risk of cancer, lung disease and fetal harm. Learn about tobacco cessation program The tobacco cessation program through Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky offers personalized support to help you quit smoking. • It can be tailored to your needs: Whether you seek individual counseling, group classes or telephonic support, we can help. • There will be expert guidance provided: Our program is led by certified tobacco treatment specialists. Are you ready to quit? Take the first step by contacting us at 419-557-6550 to learn more about our tobacco cessation program and take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life. Individual counseling is available at the Firelands Center for Coordinated Care, 1221 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4), Sandusky. Telephonic counseling is also available by calling 1-800-784-8669 at any time.