Embrace a Healthier You in 2024: South Carolina’s Free Tobacco Quitline Paves the Way to Wellness

As we kick off the new year, many South Carolinians are eager to embrace healthier habits, and one pivotal step toward overall well-being is bidding farewell to tobacco. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is championing this cause, urging residents to take advantage of the free resources offered by the SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to kick the tobacco habit.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, people cope with stress in various ways, with some turning to commercial tobacco products. However, the DHEC emphasizes the importance of finding healthier coping strategies and highlights the detrimental impact of tobacco use on mental and physical health. Virginie Daguise, DHEC’s director of the Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, underlines the direct link between tobacco use and serious illnesses such as lung diseases, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, and heart disease.

Quitting tobacco not only benefits physical health but also significantly enhances mental well-being. Research indicates that individuals who quit tobacco experience reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly among youth and young adults who vape. The positive effects extend to an overall improved mood and quality of life. Within 1-2 years of quitting, the risk of a heart attack significantly decreases, offering immediate benefits such as reduced lung inflammation that fortifies the body against infections.

The SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) stands as a beacon of support, providing free assistance 24/7 to South Carolina residents, regardless of their health insurance coverage. Callers can expect personalized quit plans, access to text and web-based support, informative guides, and free nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gum, and lozenges (if eligible). Language barriers are overcome, with services available in multiple languages. Additionally, extra support is extended to those with mental and/or behavioral health conditions and individuals who are pregnant.

The DHEC encourages the adoption of healthy holiday coping strategies to complement the journey toward a tobacco-free life:

1. Getting Proper Sleep: Prioritize rest to recharge your body and mind.
2. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Embrace a balanced diet and regular exercise for overall well-being.
3. Drinking Plenty of Fluids: Stay hydrated to support your body’s functions.
4. Reducing Stress: Seek healthier alternatives to cope with stressors.
5. Being Physically Active: Engage in activities that promote physical health and mental well-being.
6. Eating Fruits and Vegetables: Nourish your body with a colorful array of nutrient-rich foods.
7. Avoiding or Limiting Alcohol: Be mindful of alcohol consumption for better health.
8. Spending Time with Supportive Friends and Family: Cultivate a positive support system to navigate challenges.

As South Carolinians embark on their journey towards better health in 2024, the DHEC’s commitment to providing free tobacco quitline services serves as a guiding light, offering support, resources, and encouragement. Let this be the year that tobacco takes a backseat, and a healthier, happier you takes the wheel.