chokesmokes

Next Tobacco-Free Coalition Meetings:

Fairfield: August 12, 2010, Noon, Jefferson County Public Health Office, 200 W Briggs.

Sigourney: August 10, 2010, Noon, Keokuk County Extension Office, 102 E Washington.

Some help quitting

Kick Butts Day 2010 at TriCounty High School

Kick Butts Day Flash Mob

Get JEL updates on your cell! Text "JEL" to 25827 to stay in the loop.

IA Senator Becky Schmitz explains the health benefits of

the 2008 Iowa Smokefree Air Act on Janaury 16, 2010

Our efforts are making a difference!

366 Residents of Jefferson and Keokuk Counties took the "Smoke-Free Home and Car Pledge last year. Since July 2009, 343 pledges have been signed!

Take the Smoke-Free

Home and Car Pledge!

The Iowa Quitline now offers a free one-month supply of nicotine patches or gum. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for details.

Adopt a Smoker

Help a smoker not to smoke

Have him or her call the Iowa Quitline for help: 1-800-QUIT NOW
Have the smoker call the River Hills Community Health Center in Ottumwa 641-683-5773 or Richland 319-456-2045 to receive counseling and Chantix at no charge
Bring him or her to one of the January 2009 quit smoking class (see below).
Give praise and reassurance to take one hour at a time
Remind the smoker of his or her commitment not to smoke
Bribe with food, money or other incentives
Be there when he or she needs you!

Get smokers to agree to:

Hide cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters for the day
Tell friends they have been adopted and will not smoke during the Great American Smokeout
Call you when feeling an irresistible desire to smoke
Refrain from gathering with other smokers while they smoke
Remember that today they are SETTING THEMSELVES FREE!

Do what it takes to set your friend free!

Print out adoption agreement HERE and have your smoking friend sign it.

Quit Smoking Class

The free, four-session clinic is based on American Cancer Society Freedom from Smoking curriculum and the QuitSmart program developed at Duke University. While there is no charge for the sessions, articipants are strongly encouraged to obtain medication to help them quit. Free nicotine patches are available through the Iowa Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Chantix and Zyban are available by prescription. Many local employers sponsor quit smoking medications for their workers and medications may also be covered by your health insurance or by Medicaid.

For more information, call 641-209-2209.