Be smoke free in seven weeks

"Be Smoke Free in 7 Weeks" will meet on seven successive Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. beginning April 3 at Kootenai Medical Center. But you won't be expected to quit right away. The initial session, which is free to all, will give you an overview of what the program is all about.

During the next two sessions, you'll learn about your personal smoking triggers and create a smoking cessation plan. Lead instructor Ellen Clark, a respiratory therapist at Kootenai, will also introduce and discuss the various smoking cessation products on the market.

Week 4 will be "Quit Week." In addition to the Tuesday session that week, participants will gather a second time for extra support on Thursday evening.

The remainder of the sessions will be devoted to effective techniques for staying nicotine free and developing healthy habits to support a nicotine-free lifestyle.

Cost is $50, half of which will be refunded upon successful completion of the program. To register, call (208) 666-2893. One-on-one counseling sessions are also available upon request.