University Health Services (UHS) will offer the American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking” program beginning this fall. Suzanne Zeman, a registered nurse and community health educator with UHS, will lead the smoking cessation program.
Freedom From Smoking is a seven week program that is strategically designed to help students quit and remain smoke-free. The program encourages students to build a support system as they progress through the program toward success. Each weekly module helps students address a different aspect of the quitting process, such as stress management techniques, controlling cravings, weight management while quitting and much more.
The most recent Penn State Pulse survey on student smoking indicates that 72 percent of Penn State students do not smoke. Survey results also indicate that over 70 percent of Penn State students who smoke on a regular basis have made multiple attempts to quit in the previous year. This evidence-based program provides the additional assistance students may need to quit.
Freedom From Smoking is a free program, however there is a $25 fee for the American Lung Association program workbook and relaxation CD that are needed for successful program completion. The first session will be offered this fall beginning Oct. 7. For additional information or to register for the program, contact UHS’ health promotion office at (814) 863-0461.