TOBACCOFREE/TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS BEING HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN 2010
TALLAHASSEE, FL- For years, Floridians have repeatedly made New Year resolutions
to quit smoking. This New Year, The Florida Department of Health and Tobacco Free Florida encourage Floridians to commit to their resolution by making a positive lifestyle change and overcoming their addiction.
In 2009, Tobacco Free Florida had smokers participate in the campaign by facing their addiction and becoming a “Quit Journaler”. One participant, Matt Keller, resolved to quit for the first time after smoking for eight years. By keeping a video journal, he documented his daily struggles with cravings and dependence on nicotine and was provided with the strength he needed to succeed.
“Quitting smoking completely changed my life. By replacing my addiction with a positive alternative such as exercise, I was able to lose 50 pounds over the course of the next year and commit to a new healthy lifestyle,” Matt said.
By understanding his tobacco dependence could lead to serious chronic diseases later in life, Matt was able to reduce his odds of being diagnosed with chronic diseases like bronchitis and emphysema. According to the CDC, there are nearly 8.6 million people suffering from at least one chronic disease due to current or former smoking.
Follow Matt’s lead this year and take the next step to a healthier lifestyle and being tobacco free this New Year’s. Contact the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visit floridaquitline.com for free cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapies.
If you’d like to learn more about Matt’s journey, please visit tobaccofreejournals.com.
