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.
