More smokers calling it quits

Northwest Iowa smokers who are resolving to quit smoking for the New Year will be joining a growing group. They'll also have more resources than ever to end their costly habit.

In the past two years smoking has dropped 22 percent in the state of Iowa. This drop is among the largest nationwide and the biggest Iowa has ever experienced.

Currently 14 percent of Iowa adults are smokers, down from 18 percent in 2006. In the past six years there has been a 39 percent decline in smoking in Iowa.

Iowa's public health professionals want to help even more Iowans quit this pervasive addiction. A recent survey indicates 84 percent of current smokers would like to quit. The survey also indicated 59 percent were serious about quitting in the next six months.

To help the thousands of Iowans who will try to quit smoking in January, the Iowa Department of Public Health is doubling the free nicotine patches and gum available through Quitline Iowa, the state's helpline for quitting tobacco use. While budget constraints do not allow the initiative to continue throughout 2009, Iowans who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) by Jan. 31 can get a four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy gum and patches. After Jan. 31, two- week supplies will be available.

The survey conducted by the University of Northern Iowa says a majority of those who quit smoking did so for the sake of their health and the health of their families. Current smokers who are considering quitting and former smokers also cite expense and the desires or their family in motivations to quit. Some also say smoking no longer has the appeal it once had.

More information on quitting smoking is available from the Northwest Iowa Tobacco Free Coalition at: 1-800-435-3454.