A free, ongoing support group designed to help smokers and tobacco users prepare themselves physically and mentally to stop smoking for life begins Thursday, Aug. 10, from 7-8 pm., in room 208 of the hospital’s administrative hallway. Signage with directions to the meeting room will be posted at the front entrance to St. Luke’s Hospital. This support group will continue to meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m.

 Taught by St. Luke’s Hospital’s team of registered respiratory therapists, the class will offer participants educational tips and guidelines on smoking cessation best practices, according to Lisa West, RRT, lead therapist for the support group.

 “Our goal is to help smokers discover ways to give up a habit that annually is responsible for the deaths of half a million Americans alone,” West said. “Simply put, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States.” She added that studies from the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association indicate that the benefits of quitting smoking start within 20 minutes.

 The weekly meetings will include guest speakers, tips on nutrition, videos and handouts, and participants can join the support group at any point in time.

In addition, participants attending three classes will receive a certificate for a free Pulmonary Function Test with mechanical interpretation. A $300 value, the pulmonary function test measures lung capacity that attendees can share with their physicians.

 “The class is interactive,” West pointed out. “Feedback and support from participants is encouraged and has a positive effect on outcomes.”

 For more information on the smoking cessation support group, contact West at St. Luke’s Hospital by calling 828-894-0847.

– article submitted by Kathy Woodham