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Monday, November 15, 2010

Contra Costa Health Services will offer free lung testing and smoking cessation tools this Thursday to mark the 35th annual Great American Smokeout.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, November 18 at 2500 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. The tests provide quick results and can detect the early onset of lung disease. The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to quit for at least 24 hours, make a plan to quit or set a day to quit smoking. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life—one that can lead to reducing the risk of cancer, said Janyth Bolden, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC).

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. According to some estimates, lung and bronchial cancer will kill more people in 2010 than any other type of cancer. In addition to cancer, smoking can cause respiratory illness, including asthma and upper respiratory tract infections.

"Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done," Bolden said. "To successfully quit, smokers need to know what to expect, what their options are and where to go for help."

CCRMC and Health Centers CEO Anna Roth said health care providers should have an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles. "We are happy to take this opportunity and provide healthier choices for our community," she said.

The Respiratory Care Department and students from Independence University/Respiratory Clinical Institute will provide the screenings to Contra Costa residents who are 12 years or older. Testing stations will be set up in the Regional Medical Center’s lobby, the Emergency Room waiting area and the first floor of the Martinez Health Center, which is also located at 2500 Alhambra Avenue.

To find out more information about smoking cessation in Contra Costa or to get help quitting, visit www.cchealth.org/topics/tobacco/ or call 1-800-NO-BUTTS.

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