Clinics help breathe easy

By Jessica Radesco-Verdi

Suffolk County has implemented a smoking cessation program for those struggling to break the habit as well as prevention education targeting kids before they start it. The Grant Campus will be holding the “Learning to be tobacco free,” clinic throughout November and December to provide support, medical supervision, and education, all free of charge.

Grant Campus is just one of the locations around the county where these smoking cessation clinics are held. Open to the public, this 6 week program meets once per week before finishing with a follow-up class to track progress. Clinics are supervised by Suffolk County Department office of Health Education, nurse practitioners. You must attend at least three sessions and “Furnish a signed agreement from your primary doctor to qualify for FDA recommended prescriptions such as Zyban or Chantix,” Certified Nurse Practitioner, Laura Giardino, says. Behavior modification as well as nicotine replacements are also utilized.

The #1 preventable cause of death in our country, tobacco kills 430,000 smokers each year. The Suffolk County Department of Health Education has devised many tactics to aid in the fight against tobacco use. The strategy is multifaceted compiling of community outreach, training and resources to assist in stomping out this lingering dilemma.

Further information can be found on the Suffolk County Government website or contact Health Services Crabtree Commons 851-6709.

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