TOPEKA, Kansas - The Shawnee County Health Agency (SCHA) will be offering a Freedom from Smoking course on Saturdays, from noon to 1:15 p.m. starting March 13, 2010. SCHA is dedicated to helping residents lead a healthy lifestyle and with the current local and state smoking bans, there is no better time to quit.

This is a seven-week course, with eight classes. The first three weeks are focused on helping create a personal plan to quit smoking.

Classes will be held:
Saturday, March 13th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, March 20th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, March 27th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, April 3rd Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Monday, April 5th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, April 10th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, April 17th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Saturday, April 24th Noon – 1:15 pm Topeka Shawnee County Public Library

Freedom from Smoking classes are designed to help identify an individual’s triggers to using cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, and will help develop a quit plan for each student. This seven-week class is $45.00 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available and participants must be registered to attend.

The average user of tobacco products spends $1,800 a year on tobacco products. They also put themselves and others at risk for long-term health issues, such as lung cancer and emphysema. This course is provided through the American Lung Association.

For more information on the course and its material, visit their website at www.lungusa.org. For more information or to enroll, contact Kathy Summers, Health Education Specialist, at 368-2030.