Each year, tobacco kills more Minnesotans than alcohol, homicides, car accidents, AIDS, illegal drugs, and suicide combined.
Quitting tobacco may be one of the hardest things a person will ever do. If you are a smoker and have tried to quit in the past, you know that is true. Don’t give up though. Try again. Stopping smoking will be one of the best things you can ever do for yourself and the people you love. Need help quitting? We have put together resources to support you in this effort. From free nicotine patches to health coaching, phone apps and more, there are many options from which to choose.
Quit Tobacco: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/tpc/quit.html. Free resources to help you quit.
HealthPartners: www.healthpartners.com/hp/healthy-living/health-topics/tobacco-free/
Let HealthPartners match you up with a coach to help you through the quitting process. This website also has tools and information to help you get started.
Livestrong MyQuit Coach App: itunes.apple.com/us/app/livestrong-myquit-coach-dare/id383122255?mt=8
This application creates a personalized plan to help you quit smoking. Through this physician approved, interactive and easy to use app, you’ll evaluate your current status, set attainable goals and adjust preferences according to your needs.
Quit Plan: www.quitplan.com/thinking-about-quitting.html
For Minnesota adults (18 or older) looking for support, the QUITPLAN Helpline offers four weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges. This program is for any Minnesotans who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover either phone coaching or these quit-smoking medications. To sign up, call 1-888-354-PLAN (7526).
What about e-cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale aerosolized liquid (e-liquid), which may contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. E-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA and the health risks are unknown. Aerosols from some e-cigarettes contain chemicals known to cause cancer, as well as nicotine; there is no way for users to know how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals they are inhaling. E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved smoking cessation aids, and there is no body of evidence that proves e-cigarettes help people quit smoking.
