Centegra Health System joins the American Cancer Society to celebrate the 35th Great American Smokeout Friday and are encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit and take an important step toward a healthier life.

Dr. Ashby Jordan, an independent specialist in pulmonary medicine on the medical staff at Centegra Health System, will present a free physician lecture from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., “Keeping Your Lungs Healthy” at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center- Crystal Lake. Jordan will discuss ways to improve lung health and the effects of primary and secondhand smoke on lung capacity. 

“We know quitting isn’t easy. To be successful, you need to be aware of the challenges you will face and the different options available for getting help,” said Celine Pope, wellness manager with Centegra Health System.

Beginning in January 2011, Centegra Health System and the McHenry County Health Department will partner to provide “Quit Smoking” classes to teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction. The class offers group support and behavior modification and reviews the nicotine replacement products currently on the market.

“Tobacco users should consider nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications that will help ease the physical side effects of quitting,” said Dr. Fernando Lamounier, an independent cardiothoracic surgeon on the medical staff at Centegra Health System.

“Quitting tobacco can immediately reduce the health risks associated with tobacco such as stroke, high blood pressure and lung cancer,” said Lamounier. 

“Having support is also very important when you are trying to quit. Tell family and friends when you plan to quit and ask them to support you during the process,” said Pope. “The Quit Smoking class also offers support.”

The Quit Smoking class is taught by the McHenry County Health Department staff, trained in the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program. Classes will be conducted at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake located at 200 Congress Parkway on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The $25 course fee is refundable if all seven sessions are attended.

Call 877-CENTEGRA for more information and to register for the free physician lecture Nov. 18 and the Quit Smoking classes beginning January 2011.

To speak with a counselor, call the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line at 1-866-QUIT-YES.