Editor’s Note: The following article is derived from officially released information, published with few or no editorial changes. The Greylock Glass occasionally provides our readers with such content if the information is factual in nature, and requires little to no interpretation or analysis, often when original reportage would provide little to no additional relevant information.
Just because, February — American Heart Month — is just about over, it’s always a great time to quit vaping, smoking or other nicotine products. Smoking can lead to narrowing blood vessels and high blood pressure; it is a leading cause of heart disease. Less is known about vaping’s effect on the heart so quitting any nicotine use is a wise choice for your heart.
When you’re ready to take the first step, 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), the Massachusetts Quitline for tobacco/nicotine, is available for FREE support 24 hours each day, seven days a week to support you through quitting. No lectures. No judgments. Just support. You can connect with the Quitline online, too, at mass.gov/quitting.
1-800-QUIT-NOW offers you a FREE coach who is ready to support you. They’ll help you develop a quit plan that works for you, identify triggers, plan out your day without nicotine and manage withdrawals. They’ll offer email and text support to help you stay on track. In addition, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has a dedicated Spanish line (1-855-DÉJELO-YA) and interpreter services available for 200 other languages so language doesn’t need to be a barrier to getting support.
1-800-QUIT-NOW also offers FREE medicine to help you quit like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, and advises on the best way to use them.
So, for American Heart Month (or any month!), make a resolution for a healthier life for you and your family. If you vape, smoke or use other nicotine products, quitting is an important step to take to protect your heart.
For more information, visit mass.gov/quitting or contact the Berkshire Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Program Manager, Joyce Brewer at 413-842-5160 or [email protected] Take the first step of your journey to quit for good during American Heart Month.
Joyce Brewer, TFCP Program Manager
Berkshire AHEC
395 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226
Phone: 413-842-5160
[email protected]
