Stop-Smoking Classes Aim to Make New Year Resolutions Come True
San Jose, Calif. – With 2007 just around the corner, numerous Bay Area residents will be making a resolution that very well could save their lives: to quit smoking. Yet, like many other new year’s resolutions, quitting smoking can prove a formidable challenge for even the most determined individuals. So, in an effort to help those looking to kick the habit, Breathe California announced that it will be bringing its smoking cessation classes to close to a dozen locations throughout the Bay Area this January.
“Studies show that as many 75% of smokers want to quit, many of whom attempt to do so during the new year,” said Margo Sidener, President and CEO of Breathe California of the Bay Area. “Our stop-smoking classes seek to assist many of these smokers who have decided to start down the path towards a fuller and healthier life.”
The agency’s smoking cessation program consists of seven, one-and-a-half-hour sessions which offer assistance to smokers as they travel through the various stages of quitting. Led by a trained facilitator, the curriculum covers a wide array of important topics such as dealing with stress, nutritional tips and how to avoid temptation. In addition, the presence of other smokers who are attempting to quit builds a natural support network for each participant.
Beginning January 3rd, the agency will be bringing its classes to venues across the Bay Area, offering those who are looking to quit a variety of class times, dates and locations. In addition to hosting the classes at four South Bay locations, Breathe California has partnered with the San Mateo County Tobacco Prevention Program and First 5 San Mateo to offer classes throughout the peninsula (see complete schedule below).
Santa Clara County
Mountain View
Thursdays, January 11 through February 15 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94039
San Jose
Thursdays, January 11 through February 15 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
O'Connor Hospital, 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, 95128
Palo Alto
Tuesdays, January 16 through February 20 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Avenidas Senior Center, 450 Bryant St, Palo Alto, 94301
Gilroy
Wednesdays, January 24 through February 28 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
St Louise Regional Hospital, Board Room, 9400 No Name Uno, Gilroy, 95020
San Mateo County
Redwood City
Wednesdays, January 3 through February 14 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Sequoia Health & Wellness Center, Mojave Room, 749 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, 94063
Daly City
Saturdays, January 6 through February 17 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
2171 Junipero Serra Blvd, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Daly City, 94014
East Palo Alto
Mondays, January 8 through February 19 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
New Sweet Home Church, 2170 Capitol Avenue, East Palo Alto, 94303
San Mateo
Tuesdays, January 9 through February 20 6:00pm to 7:30pm
San Mateo Medical Center, 2nd Floor Education Room 1, 222 39th Ave., San Mateo, 94403
Breathe California is also working to set up classes in Fremont, Los Gatos, Pacifica and South San Francisco, as well as a class for Spanish-speaking smokers. The agency hopes to offer these additional classes beginning in late January or early February.
“Quitting is no easy task and given most people’s hectic schedules, we wanted to make it as convenient as possible for smokers to receive assistance and support,” continued Sidener. “By offering classes in a number of different venues, we hope that more Bay Area residents can take advantage of this opportunity to start the New Year smoke-free.”
For more information about Breathe California and its smoking cessation classes, please contact 1-877-3-BREATHE or visit www.breathecalifornia.org to be contacted to your local office. For more than 90 years, Breathe California has fought lung disease in all its forms in the Bay Area through a host of local advocacy, education and patient assistance programs.
Contact: Dave Low, david@lungsrus.org
(408) 998-5865, Cell: (408) 499-8328