T.J. Samson | Destination Health | February 2018

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Platteville, WI Permit No. 7 T.J. Samson Community Hospital 1301 N. Race St. Glasgow, KY 42141 FEBRUARY 2018 M ost of the people Laura Howard, APRN, works with want to stop smoking. Quitting is important to them. But quitting is hard, and many people need help.That’s where smok- ing cessation counseling comes in. Howard, along with fellow Nurse Practitioner Amanda Parsons-Cole, helped launch a smoking cessation clinic at the T.J. Health Pavilion.The program combines coun- seling with medication to help people gain the motiva- tion, encouragement and support they need to break free of addiction. “Often we just need to convince people that they are capable of doing this,” Howard says. SETTING GOALS, BUILDING CONFIDENCE While many program participants enter the clinic at a doctor’s request, anyone can sign up for counseling, Howard says. If you want to quit but aren’t sure how or even if you can, then you may be a good candidate. And it’s good to know that most insurance carriers cover eight smoking cessation visits per year. If you enroll in the smoking cessation clinic, here’s a snapshot of what you can expect: One-on-one counseling. Your counselor will help you come up with a smoking cessation plan. Howard says many people view quitting as a mountain to climb. “But I’m not asking you to quit cold turkey,” she says. Instead, she can help you achieve that goal in baby steps. On your first visit, you may be asked to set two small, but achievable, goals, like not smoking in the car or waiting a little longer to have your morning cigarette. “We help you set goals you’re capable of achieving,” Howard says. “It gives you the confidence to know that you’re moving in the right direction.” Stop-smoking medications. Medicines may also help with withdrawals and cravings. Some options may include nicotine replacement therapy (such as chewing gums, patches and lozenges) or prescription medications. “We provide proper education about how to use those products,” Howard says. Ongoing support. Along the way, Howard encour- ages participants to call if they run into any problems, whether that’s coping with side effects of stop-smoking medications or difficult cravings. “We can be there if you run into a wall,” she says. SHOULD YOU BE SCREENED? You might also want to see if you qualify for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. You may qualify depending on your age and smoking history. If so, the smoking cessation team can help you get connected. Having this screening test is a bit like getting a chest x-ray.The test is designed to help find lung cancer early, when treatment may be more successful. quit smoking? Ready to We’re ready to help you To schedule an appointment for the smoking cessation clinic, call the T.J. Health Pavilion at 270-659-5835. Laura Howard, APRN

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