ANTI-SMOKING BLOG HELPS SMOKERS KICK THE HABIT

Angela Forfia and Erica Gaddy are the voices behind ashkickers.blogspot.com, an irreverent, street smart blog designed to help the 70% of smokers who want to kick the smoking habit.

Angela, a new mom, and Erica, a public health graduate student at UIC, are tobacco cessation professionals at the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, who in their own words, “strike fear in the heart of Big Tobacco by helping people who smoke start a life free from addiction!”

“Smokers who want to quit have a lot of resources at their disposal — free cessation classes, on-line help, telephone support,” said Angela, “but many aren’t aware of what’s available. That’s where we come in. We’re here to provide information, offer suggestions and give encouragement.”

In early postings, Angela confesses she’s a big fan of quit-smoking support groups “and not because I run them,” she says. “If I were quitting smoking, I’d join a class because I like people, I like accountability and it forces me to check in with my group every Wednesday.”

Erica answers the question, “When will I not think about smoking?” As a tobacco cessation counselor, Erica hears that question frequently and tells readers not to avoid the thought. She assures them there will be a time when they’ll be able to think about smoking without actually wanting a cigarette. She calls that moment empowering because it allows the smoker to remember the challenges overcome in quitting – and it helps them appreciate their own inner strength.

Angela and Erica’s blog can be found at www.ashkickers.blogspot.com.

For more help on quitting contact the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago at 312-243-2000 or click on www.lungchicago.org. The Association, located at 1440 W. Washington Blvd., is celebrating its 100th anniversary year.