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The original item was published from 12/11/2017 11:32:00 AM to 12/18/2017 11:18:22 AM.

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Health Department - Main

Posted on: November 22, 2016

[ARCHIVED] Tobacco Quitline Supports Emergency Responders

The Peoria City/County Health Department is reminding residents of the availability of the Illinois Tobacco Quitline and the new QuitGuide phone app as free smoking cessation support programs for the general public and in particular for emergency responders.

Research shows that as first responders to disasters, both natural and manmade, emergency workers are at risk of stress which often leads to tobacco use. During times of stress, resiliency and coping mechanisms are tested. Family members, religious involvement, and friends can be vital to coping with stress. The comfort they can bring can help responders meet the demands of their jobs. When resiliency and coping mechanisms fail or are not enough, responders can turn to negative behaviors that affect health, one being smoking.

To help kick the smoking habit, the Illinois Tobacco Quitline (1-866-QUIT-YES) is one program that provides free counseling and assistance to individuals to stop using tobacco. The Quitline is a free resource for tobacco users that can be used both days and evenings to provide the support tobacco users need to quit for good. Language interpreters are also available at the Quitline.

The use of a free online phone app is also available to help in smoking cessation. QuitGuide (https://smokefree.gov/apps-quitguide) can help smokers analyze and understand their smoking patterns. It can also assist with building the skills to stay smoke-free. The app can help track cravings and smoking triggers while also boosting motivation with inspirational messages, monitoring progress towards milestones, and providing tips and distractions for dealing with cravings.

Not only 1st responders who may be in stressful situations, but anyone, can use the Illinois Tobacco Quitline and QuitGuide to stop using tobacco.


Illinois Tobacco Quitline: 1-866-QUIT-YES or 1-866-784-8937

QuiteGuide: https://smokefree.gov/apps-quitguide

Other public health issues, Peoria City/County Health Department: www.pcchd.org.


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