Smoking Cessation Classes Offered at Hendersonville Medical Center

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (December 10, 2007) – Start the new year on the right foot by resolving to quit smoking in 2008! Research indicates that quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial lifestyle changes you can make to improve and extend life. According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of quitting smoking are nearly instantaneous.

• 24 hours After Quitting - Your chance of heart attack decreases.
• 1 Year After Quitting - The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
• 5-15 Years After Quitting - Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.
• 10 Years After Quitting - The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.
• 15 Years After Quitting - The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.

An eight-session smoking cessation class begins Monday, January 7, at Hendersonville Medical Center, and the classes are held weekly from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the medical center’s Learning Resource Center.

The class addresses the reasons a person smokes and helps develop a personalized plan for quitting.  Led by instructors professionally trained by the American Lung Association, the classes create a supportive environment with an emphasis on long-term freedom from smoking, with each participant developing an individual plan for quitting. This group approach uses positive thinking, alternate behaviors, one-on-one help, rewards and group support. The classes also include the latest skills for stress management, weight control, assertive communication and exercise—skills to help participants succeed.

Registration is required as space is limited; persons may call TriStar MedLine at 342-1919 or 1-800-242-5662 for more information or to sign-up. The cost for the program is $50, which is fully refunded to participants who complete all eight classes, and another $25 is required to cover the costs of class materials.

Hendersonville Medical Center, part of the TriStar Health System, is a 110-bed community-based medical center with comprehensive medical and surgical programs including Obstetrics, Cardiology, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery services.  Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hendersonville Medical Center remains the only Accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County. Portland Medical Center, a facility of Hendersonville Medical Center, joined the TriStar Health System in April 2006 and together, we are proudly serving the healthcare needs of Sumner County.

For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted by Hendersonville Medical Center, Portland Medical Center or TriStar Health System, call MedLine at 342-1919, toll-free outside of Nashville at 1-800-242-5662, or visit the website at TriStarHealth.com.