Smoking attributes to 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. In Tennessee alone, one out of four residents smoke—an estimated one million Tennessee adults are smokers—and nearly 10,000 Tennesseans will die each year from smoking-related illnesses (Division of Health Statistics).

Smoking is the main culprit in heart disease, strokes, bronchitis and emphysema, and gastric ulcers. Need more reasons to stop? The Cancer Institute’s Chest Service and The American Lung Association of Tennessee have teamed up to stomp out smoking.

“Freedom From Smoking” is an eight-week clinic that has become the "Gold Standard" of smoking cessation programs. Call 865.305.8577 today to stop smoking.

Some things that may help you quit smoking include the following.

• Identify the times when you are most likely to smoke.
• In addition to all cigarettes, get rid of all clothing, furniture, etc., that smells like smoke prior to quitting.
• Avoid smoke-filled settings.
• Prior to your quit date, begin smoking fewer cigarettes each day and decreasing the strength.
• Utilize nicotine patches, gum and sprays.
• Enroll in a smoking cessation program.
• Talk to your healthcare provider.

Click here for more smoking cessation tips.

For more information or to reserve a seat at Freedom From Smoking, please call 865.305.8577.

In addition, the Tennessee Department of Health announced its first state-wide, telephone-based tobacco cessation program. Tennesseans are now able to call 1.800.QUIT.NOW (1.800.784.8669) and receive personalized support to aid in quitting cigarette, spit or chew tobacco.