Smoking Cessation Program | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 9/14/2012

Successfully kicking a smoking habit often takes several attempts. A smoking cessation program at Sanford Medical Center is helping. Patients admitted into the hospital who are identified as smokers are paired with a respiratory therapist.

Dr. Anthony Tello says patients who choose not to quit continue smoking for two reasons. First, because they simply like to smoke. And second, they`re afraid they`ll gain weight after they quit.

"We`ll talk about their eating habits. We`ll talk about perhaps doing some form of exercise and i`m not saying going out and run a mile every day. I`m saying go out and go for a walk for 15 minutes or half an hour."

Smoking related illnesses claim the lives of nearly 880 North Dakotans every year.

Michelle San Miguel will have more on this story on Sunday.

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