Posted: 11/15/2017
Smoking cessation clinics offer help, support
Fidencia Sandoval, 49, of Dallas, was 17 when she lit her first cigarette. Her smoking habit grew until she was consuming half a pack of cigarettes per day at the height of her habit. Sandoval is one of hundreds of patients who reach out to Parkland Health & Hospital System each year in search of help kicking the habit for good.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking continues to be the number one cause of disease and preventable death in this country. The CDC also estimates 80 percent of lung cancers are due to smoking and each year more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to smoking-related causes.
“Smoking is connected to a great number of health problems, from cancer to heart disease,” said David Balis, MD, Medical Director of Parkland’s Smoking Cessation Clinic and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Parkland’s smoking cessation program provides resources, counseling and medication to help patients stop their use of tobacco products.”
Seven years ago, Sandoval stopped smoking without help or medication. During that time, she set out to find activities to distract her. “I had more time and disposable income, so I began making jewelry and other crafts to stay busy,” she said. Unfortunately, Sandoval returned to her old habit. “One day I had the urge to smoke and I caved in. I quickly forgot all about my hobby.”
Earlier this year, Sandoval scheduled a visit with her primary care physician who told her something she already knew. “She said I had to stop smoking. That’s when I learned about Parkland’s smoking cessation resources,” Sandoval said.
“When people come to Parkland for inpatient or outpatient services, it’s a great time to speak to them about quitting tobacco use. We educate them about the risks and offer help,” Dr. Balis said. “Quitting is hard, but patients don’t have to do it alone.”
When patients visit a Parkland smoking cessation clinic, providers concentrate on two areas – medication and counseling. “Counseling involves talking about habits, stress and triggers,” Balis said. “Another reason why it is so hard to quit has to do with the physical addiction to nicotine. That is where medication comes in. It helps reduce cravings, urges and withdrawal symptoms.”
After her referral, Sandoval began taking medication and attending the clinic. “Group counseling sessions are extremely helpful. We all cheer each other on,” she said. “It’s inspiring. You realize, ‘if these classes and resources helped other people, why wouldn’t they help me too?’” she said. Sandoval has been completely smoke free for the last three months.
So far in 2017, more than 500 patients have enrolled in smoking cessation programs offered at Parkland’s Outpatient Center and several Parkland Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers in Dallas County.
“Parkland has helped me become healthier and that has allowed me to rediscover my passions. I started to craft again. I make jewelry accessories, and I have begun to practice sewing and embroidery. It helps me stay busy and not think about smoking,” she said.
Sandoval is not the only patient rediscovering forgotten talents and pursuing new hobbies. “We have patients who have returned to woodwork, and acting,” said Juan Prieto, senior public health educator and coordinator of the Smoking Cessation Program at the COPC health centers. “For some leaving the habit behind has provided new opportunities and interests.”
In an effort to promote smoking cessation, Parkland participates in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. On Nov. 16 smokers across the nation are encouraged to give up smoking as a first step toward quitting and to raise awareness about this serious health issue.
“The first step is always the hardest. It’s not easy, but you can do it, especially with programs like the one at Parkland,” Sandoval said.
Some of the resources available at the Parkland Cessation Clinics include:
• Support classes every week
• English and Spanish classes at seven Parkland COPC health centers
• Group support
• Education on dealing with stress
• Nicotine addiction treatment
• Motivation for healthy lifestyles
“Quitting use of tobacco products is essential for patients who want to improve their health. The main goal of Parkland’s smoking cessation program is to help patients prevent future diseases and live better lives,” Dr. Balis said.
To make an appointment with Parkland’s Smoking Cessation Clinic at the main hospital, call 214-590-5603 or visit https://www.parklandhospital.com/phhs/smoking-cessation.aspx. To learn more about the Adult Smoking Cessation Program at a Parkland COPC health centers, call 214-266-1235.