BREWSTER, NY—Every February public health advocates commemorate Heart Month to prompt residents to keep their hearts healthy. Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in Putnam County nearly every year since 2012. While cardiovascular disease, is the number one cause of death for men, women, and people from most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, an estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease is considered preventable. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity, nutrition choices, and smoking habits can contribute to better health outcomes.

“As someone who has spent years advocating for heart health with the American Heart Association, I understand the critical role that quitting smoking plays in protecting your heart and overall well-being,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “Smoking remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, and Heart Month is the perfect time to take that first step toward a healthier future.

To improve heart health, behavioral changes are usually necessary but rarely easy. Most health officials advocate small, incremental steps when increasing physical activity or diet. Many helpful resources are available online from reputable resources like the Putnam County Department of Health and the American Heart Association.

Smoking and addiction to nicotine are often considered difficult behaviors to change. But it is not impossible, and help is available. On Monday evening, March 10, the Putnam County Department of Health will host its first session of the year for the proven smoking cessation program called Freedom From Smoking. It is a seven-week program, considered the “gold standard” of quit programs and the health department offers it free of charge to Putnam County residents. Many thousands of people nationwide have participated in the program developed by experts from the American Lung Association and now lead smoke-free lives.

Freedom from Smoking sessions begins with participants learning how to prepare to quit and how to make an individualized plan to enhance their ability to stay off tobacco. Classes are from 6 to 7:30 pm on Monday evenings from March 10 through April 21. “Quit Day” happens on Monday, March 31, during the fourth week, and a second class is held three days later for a 72-hour check-in on Thursday, April 3.

“If you have ever thought about quitting, you should consider trying this program,” says Alexa Contreras, one of the facilitators and a health educator at the Putnam County Department of Health. “Even if you have tried before and returned to smoking. It is important to know that most people who are successful in finally quitting have had previous attempts. It may take multiple tries. You can think of each attempt as practice to get you closer to your goal.”

Victoria DiLonardo, who also works in health education at the health department, will join Ms. Contreras in facilitating the classes. Both are certified by the American Lung Association to teach the Freedom From Smoking classes. While the classes are taught in English, Ms. Contreras is bilingual and this opens the door for improved understanding and success for all, while also meeting diverse needs of the participants.

“If an individual stops smoking, it can reduce the risk for heart disease by as much as half,” says Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD, interim health commissioner. “The chemicals you inhale when you smoke cause damage to your heart and blood vessels that makes you more likely to develop plaque buildup in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Smoking also increases your risk for peripheral artery disease, which is when plaque builds up in the arteries that are responsible for carrying blood to your head, organs, and extremities. This puts people at an increased risk for heart attack, and stroke.” 

Ms. DiLonardo was quick to point out that, “Smoking cessation boosts health in so many ways. It improves lung function, reduces the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and lowers the risk of 12 different types of cancer.” More information about all the health benefits of quitting is easily available online at the American Lung Association’s website.

“Putnam County is consistently ranked among the healthiest counties in New York State and that is partly because of the high-quality public health programming we strive to provide residents,” County Executive Byrne said. “Programs like our Freedom from Smoking program, which help residents quit for good, are a good example. If you or a loved one is ready to make a change, we are here to support you every step of the way.”

Pre-registration is required, as group size is limited. Additional information on the program in 40 languages can be found online at www.freedomfromsmoking.org. For more information or to pre-register, contact the Putnam County Department of Health at (845) 808-1390, ext. 43155, or visit https://PCDOHFreedomFromSmoking2025.eventbrite.com. 

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY. 

For more resources:

New York Smokers’ Quitline: https://www.nysmokefree.com/

American Lung Association—Join Freedom From Smoking: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/join-freedom-from-smoking

CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use—Benefits of Quitting Smoking: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/benefits-of-quitting.html

Mayo Clinic—Strategies to prevent heart disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502

The Nutrition Source—Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-eating-plate/