If you've ever considered breaking the tobacco habit, new Iowa laws may provide that incentive and Spencer Hospital's Freedom From Smoking course may provide the mechanism to accomplish your goals.

Spencer Hospital is offering the Freedom from Smoking course, a seven-week long tobacco cessation program which has been proven effective by the American Lung Association. Classes are led by health professionals who are American Lung Association trained facilitators. The next course begins September 18 and will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday nights on Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2,9,16, 23 and 30th with one Saturday session during the course on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9:30-11 a.m.

Topics covered include: Knowing if you're ready to quit, medicine that can help you quit, lifestyle changes which make quitting easier, preparing for Quit Day, coping strategies, managing stress, avoiding weight gain, developing a new self-image, and how to stay smoke-free for good.

Registration for the 8-session class is $100. You can call Spencer Hospital's class registration line to reserve your spot in the fall session at 264-6142. If you'd like to visit with someone to receive more information regarding the class before you register, please call 264-6636 to have your questions answered.

"The support of others is so important for people who are working to quit their smoking addiction," commented Holly Behrends, RN, who is one of the instructors. "The other people in the program know exactly what you're going through and provide support when you need it the most. This course has been ranked as the most effective smoking cessation program and has a 25-year history of successful results."