(WWJ) Today is the Great American Smokeout -- a time to consider kicking the habit.
While it's not easy to quit, WWJ's Dr. Deanna Lites reports you'll increase your chances of success with help.
And it just so happens that free help is available to Michiganders through the state's tobacco Quitline.
"This is an evidence-based service that provides free telephone and online coaching and test messaging," explained Lynn Sutfin, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "Enrollees who qualify can even get up to eight weeks of their choice of (nicotine) gum or patches free of charge."
Sutfin said about 68% of smokers say they want to quit. "So this is an opportunity for them to take that plunge, and we definitely want to help them."
To learn more, call the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or 1-855-DEJELO-YA (335-35692), or visit THIS LINK.
There's also a new program called "My Life, My Quit" geared toward young people age 18 and under who want to stop vaping, using e-cigarettes or smoking. To get started, text "start my quit" to 855-890-9989, or get more information at www.mylifemyquit.com.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 30 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes.
