16.4% of American adults currently use at least one tobacco or nicotine product, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine pouches. The American Lung Association is providing free information and assistance to help people permanently give up tobacco and nicotine products since nicotine is very addicting.
With 490,000 deaths annually, tobacco use continues to be America’s biggest cause of avoidable illness and death. Currently, 16 million Americans suffer from a condition linked to tobacco use. Giving up tobacco and nicotine products at any age will increase the length and quality of your life; however, it’s ideal to do so as soon as feasible.
“Breaking the addiction to nicotine is extremely difficult. For most people, it takes multiple attempts to quit tobacco for good. Each quit attempt brings a person closer to reaching their goal,” stated Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association. “While smoking rates have decreased significantly over the past 50 years, we are concerned about more adults and youth using e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. It is critical that people who are ready to quit using nicotine and tobacco products speak with their healthcare provider about Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tobacco treatment medications.”
To assist individuals in beginning their quitting journey, the American Lung Association provides a free Lung Helpline. To speak with a trained tobacco treatment specialist, respiratory therapist, or licensed registered nurse, people can dial 1-800-LUNGUSA. Adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older can get services to help them stop using tobacco and nicotine. Employers can also use programs like the Lung Helpline to assist their staff in quitting.
The Lung Helpline also helps clients with insurance issues, connects them with Lung Health Navigators who specialize in lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis, and provides information about lung cancer screening if they qualify.
To learn more about quitting tobacco, go to Lung.org, the website of the American Lung Association, or dial 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) and press 2. Medication and therapy to help you quit are typically covered by health insurance. Examine your possibilities for coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace if you do not currently have insurance. In most states, open enrollment ends on January 15.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
