February 3, 2004

Knowing what makes a smoker reach for a cigarette puts them one step closer to quitting all together, according to an expert in the field of smoking cessation.

Mary Sherwood, clinic facilitator for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency’s Tobacco Education Program, will conduct a free seven-session quit smoking course beginning Feb. 10.

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the main conference room of the HSA’s campus located at 830 Scenic Drive in Modesto.

Participants aren’t expected to quit as soon as they walk through the door for their first session, said Sherwood.

“There are quite a few different components (to the course),” she said. “Each session covers a different area.”

At the first class, on Feb. 10, she will discuss the process that makes someone become a smoker.

“Everyone that takes the class will have different reasons for doing what they’re doing,” said Sherwood. “It’s important to make a customized plan for their needs.”

Participants will study their own habits, and receive insight into their personal reasons for lighting up.

“They’ll check the time of day and how they’re feeling,’ said Sherwood.

“Someone can come in that’s a pack-a-day smoker, and they think 20 cigarettes are hard to give up,” she added.

But it’s usually letting go of the last five that’s the worst, she said.

“We work on building motivation and prepare them for ‘quit day,’” she said. That is the third class.

In preparation for “quit day,” participants learn about coping with their urges to smoke, and have time to practice those skills before the day actually arrives.

“A lot of people are more willing to try,” said Sherwood of the motivation to quit.

Next comes sharing information on recovery and support - what’s worked and what’s not worked, and why - and then there’s learning to manage stress and get a handle on weight gain through exercise.

“That’s always a concern,” said Sherwood.

“A lot of people have different physical needs. We help them try to identify what to do to relieve stress.”

It’s also important that those trying to quit smoking surround themselves with a good support network of family and friends.

Finally, there’s a class on preventing a relapse, and looking towards the future and at what might trigger that relapse.

Once the course has been completed, HSA counselors will check in with the new non-smokers after three and then six months.

Sherwood also said she encourages people to continue to hold meetings to further the support network.

While some of the participants may have tried to quit smoking before, Sherwood said this course could be the solution they’re looking for, as it was compiled with input from people who’ve successfully kicked the habit.

“It’s not just theory, it’s stuff that’s actually worked,” she said.

And even if someone has tried to quit before, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take advantage of this course.

“They can look back and learn why they started smoking again,” she said.

The class size is limited, and Sherwood encourages people to call and reserve a spot as soon as possible. They can do so by calling her directly at 558-4803 or HSA at 558-5657.

The Stanislaus County HSA is an outpatient medical system with seven medical offices located throughout the county. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an urgent care center and multiple programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year.

More information on community health is available at www.hsahealth.org.

Reprinted by permission of the Turlock Journal