By Forum Staff
The start of the new year is always a popular time for those thinking about quitting commercial tobacco or vape products to make a quit-attempt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most adults who smoke or vape want to quit, and it is not unusual for people to make multiple attempts before achieving lasting success.
For those living in Queens and other parts of New York seeking to become smoke-free, the State Smokers’ Quitline (NY Quitline) and Rego Park resident Marc S. offer inspiration for life-improving changes in 2024 and healthier years to follow.
As he entered his mid-60s, Marc decided to gradually make better choices for his health. He aimed to get in better shape and switched to a whole-food and plant-based diet, particularly to improve poor health in his liver and kidneys. One routine he did not want to give up, however, was smoking cigarettes. Marc first began smoking at age 15 and became a regular, albeit moderate, smoker. Even with the beginnings of healthy changes later in life, Marc soon faced a life-altering choice during the summer of 2023.
“I had been living with constant pain in my hip for many years,” Marc said. “As a condition of having hip replacement surgery, I needed to stop smoking and stay quit. I enjoyed smoking and had never tried quitting before, but I asked myself what I wanted more.”
Marc visited the NY Quitline’s website at nysmokefree.com and learned about the importance of setting a quit-date. He also enrolled in the free, six-week Learn2QuitNY text messaging program and received daily affirmations to support his quit-journey. Through the program, he connected with a NY Quitline specialist via phone and received a free shipment of nicotine patches and nicotine lozenges in the mail.
“The lozenges kept my mouth busy and eased cigarette cravings,” Marc said. “I learned how to quit, I made it stick, and I was fully prepared to have surgery in early October.”
Between smoke-free living and total hip replacement surgery, Marc said the past few months feel “life-changing.” He no longer has what he calls a “smoker’s cough” or feels quite as winded during regular cardio routines.
“I’m saving money, I have a healthier lifestyle and there’s no more tobacco smell,” Marc added. “For anyone thinking about quitting, I think you have to make that decision for yourself – you can’t quit for someone else. To be successful, you’ve got to want it.”
The NY Quitline advocates all those trying to quit smoking and/or vaping to use its free services, speak with their healthcare professionals and access available support through healthcare insurance. For those anywhere throughout the Five Boroughs, NYC Treats Tobacco can also recommend local and online cessation group classes.
The NY Quitline encourages all those living in New York State to make 2024 smoke-free by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), texting QUITNOW to 333888 or visiting nysmokefree.com. Participants can connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back, order free nicotine replacement therapy medications and register for the six-week Learn2QuitNY text messaging program.
