Community Hospital will present its quit smoking class, called FreshStart, beginning in November, according to the program coordinator, Jacquetta Davis. Class sessions are planned for 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the hospital. The American Cancer Society and Community Hospital co-sponsor the program.

FreshStart is designed to help the smoker stop and stay stopped. It offers smokers essential information and strategies to direct their efforts at stopping smoking, according to Davis. Trained facilitators who facilitate group discussion and oversee the individual’s stopping smoking plan lead class sessions. "There are no lectures; only presentation of information and group discussion. The program’s focus is on how to stop or cut down," she said.

The program consists of six sessions, which are taught by a team of trained hospital staff. All of the session facilitators are ex-tobacco users, Davis said. Sessions include:

Session 1: A former smoker and trained facilitator discusses why people smoke. Angie Nicholson, registered pharmacist, discusses prescription medications and patches to help quit smoking.

Session 2: This session focuses on the benefits of quitting smoking, with quitting techniques introduced.

Session 3: Cindy West, physical therapist, teaches stress management and relaxation techniques. This session will run from 7-9 p.m.

Session 4: Tanya Blume, registered respiratory therapist, offers a class on understanding lung disease. She will discuss lung problems that can develop due to smoking and other causes.

Session 5: Quit smoking techniques will be reviewed and additional quitting techniques will be introduced. Pat Rice, registered dietitian, will discuss good nutritional tips.

Session 6: Review.

"There is no magic cure for smoking," Davis said. "No program can give you this. Your commitment and effort will make you successful in stopping smoking. FreshStart will help you to focus and strengthen your efforts and commitment."

She said a participant need not already have quit to register for the class, however, if they are interested in quitting ahead of time and using the class as follow-up support, pre-counseling is available by calling her.

Pre-registration is important, she said, as all registrants will receive a confirmation letter and the book, Quitting for Life, prior to the class.

Fee for the class is $20. The fee is waived for former students who are repeating the class. To register, call Jacquetta Davis at 308-345-8323. The class is limited to 15 people.