May 9-15 is National Women's Health Week

Quit Smoking

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 9 – 15 to call attention to the importance of women’s health. The theme of this year’s National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time” and encourages women to take the time to live a healthier, happier and longer life.  Every day this week, KDHE will distribute topical news releases geared towards women’s health.

In support of National Women’s Health Week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) challenges women to improve their health by quitting smoking.

“Take the time to live a healthier, happier and longer life by calling the Kansas Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW,” said Roderick Bremby, KDHE Secretary.

In Kansas, about 16 percent of women, or 169,000 women, are smokers.   About 22 percent of women with disabilities smoke compared to about 14 percent of women without disabilities.

“There are many benefits for everyone to quit smoking, “said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of Health at KDHE. “Quitting smoking will reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.  Quitting smoking will lower heart rate, reduce shortness of breath, reduce coughing, and improve the taste of food.”

When Kansans are ready to quit tobacco use, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) will provide support and work with the caller to develop a plan to quit.  Counselors will provide information and guidance during one-on-one telephone sessions.  Kansans can call the Quitline anytime day or night to start the process.  Once enrolled in the free service, callers will work with one counselor who will set up sessions that fit the caller’s schedule.  During these sessions, callers will discuss the reasons they want to quit and find ways to handle any barriers. Studies have found that using a tobacco Quitline can more than double a person’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco.   

“We know the addiction to nicotine is powerful and quitting smoking often takes several tries,” Candace L. Ayars, PhD, Director of KDHE Tobacco Use Prevention Program said. “That’s why we offer free help and support through the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Call the Quitline today to create your plan to quit. When you look at the benefits, quitting is certainly worth another try and you’re more likely to be successful if you get help.”

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Tobacco Use Prevention Program provides resources and technical assistance to community coalitions for development of local tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.  For additional information about the Kansas Tobacco Use Prevention Program visit www.kdheks.gov/tobacco.

For more information on National Women’s Health Week, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.