Letter: Quit Smoking for Heart Health
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To the Editor:
February is American Heart Month — a great time to quit vaping, smoking or other tobacco products.
Smoking can lead to narrowing blood vessels and high blood pressure and it is a leading cause of heart disease. Vaping is still fairly new and less is known about its effect on the heart. However, the American Heart Association reports that two new studies find that vaping may be just as dangerous by increasing heart disease risk factors.
So, for American Heart Month, make a resolution for a healthier life for you and your family. If you vape, smoke or use other tobacco products, quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your health.
If you want to quit and tried in the past, don't give up. It often takes several tries before you quit for good. However, with planning and support, you can become tobacco-free.
Vapers, smokers and other tobacco product users can call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free coaching through phone, e-chat, and text 24 hours each day, seven days a week or you can find helpful information and enroll online through KeepTryingMA.org.
Make the choice to quit today, making this the beginning of a smoke-free and healthier you!
Joyce Brewer is the program manager for the Berkshire Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, a program of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center headquartered in Dalton. Contact her at 413-842-5160
or at jbrewer@berkshireahec.org.
Tags: smoking awareness,
