UM Shore Regional Health to Offer Winter/Spring “Breathe Again” Smoking Cessation Course Beginning January 16

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, will host an in-person five-session winter workshop titled "Breathe Again: A Journey to a Smoke-Free and Healthier YOU," designed to help smokers who wish to quit. The class will be offered once per month at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 16. Sessions will run through May. There is no charge for the course, but registration is required.

Led by Sandra Wilson-Hypes, Health Educator for University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, this course will offer guidance, information, tools and resources to help participants quit smoking. Course topics include: Smoking 101 on January 16, creating a quit-smoking plan on February 21, information on the various health risks of smoking on March 19, discussion on the challenges to quitting smoking on April 17 and information, tools and resources to staying smoke free on May 22. Attendance in all five sessions of the course is encouraged but not required.

Participants who complete the course and quit smoking can expect:

• Improved health
• To gain a deeper understanding of the addiction of smoking and its effects on your health
• Improvement in mood or with symptoms of depression
• A reduced need for doctors visits or hospitalization
• Connection with a community of individuals on the same journey
• To learn effective strategies to overcome cravings and triggers
• Increased chances of achieving long-term success in quitting smoking

"If you are taking steps to prioritize your health in 2024, quitting smoking is a crucial step toward improving your overall health and well-being," said Wilson-Hypes. "By enrolling in a smoking cessation course, you can gain the necessary guidance and support to successfully break free from the habit and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Start your new year off right by choosing to quit smoking this year."

Classes are open to all smokers. Family members and caretakers are encouraged to participate as well. Register online at umshoreregional.org/health-education and click on the date(s) of the course you wish to attend in the calendar provided or call Wilson-Hypes at 410-778-7668, ext. 5679.