This is the year you will stop smoking. But the way to your goal is easier with help from friends. You can find like-minded friends and support to get started on that lifestyle change now by signing up for Henry County Hospital's next smoking cessation class - Freedom From Smoking - developed by The American Lung Association.

The free classes begin Monday, January 7 at 6 pm in Forest Ridge Medical Pavilion and will continue on the next three Mondays.

During the program, health educator and your personal cheerleader Diane Hess will guide you through the nationally acclaimed program to help you:

• Determine your readiness to quit smoking
• Understand your learned habit
• Build confidence and motivation to quit
• Learn stress management, weight control and relaxation techniques
• Find out about nicotine reduction therapy, coping strategies for trigger situations and more 

From planning to quit through maintenance, you will come to a deeper understanding of your particular smoking habit and ways to help you beat it.