Is it Time to Quit With WakeMed?

Quit With WakeMed is a virtual tobacco cessation program — designed to help patients quit smoking and tobacco use for good. Modeled after the Duke Cancer Institute’s tobacco cessation program, Quit at Duke, this model has been proven to be approximately 10 times more effective than quitting on your own. While the program was previously only available to WakeMed Primary Care patients, it’s now open to any new primary care and specialty services patients.

How Does it Work?

One of our specially-trained tobacco treatment specialists meets with patients virtually to discuss tobacco use and, if applicable, previous attempts at quitting. Our specialists then develop a personalized treatment plan to help patients reduce or quit the use of tobacco.

Treatment options may include medication, counseling or a combination of both. Participants meet with our tobacco treatment team regularly to stay on track. Throughout the program, our team offers the tools, therapies and support needed to quit for good.

Why Consider Quitting? Heart Healthy Benefits

If you’re a WakeMed Heart & Vascular patient, chances are you’re already familiar with the many important reasons to consider quitting the use of tobacco. Here is a quick overview of the numerous benefits for your heart health.

Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s well worth the effort.

In the first 20 minutes of not smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate recover from the spikes caused by nicotine.
Your carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal after 12 hours.
Your circulation and lung function will begin to improve after just two weeks.
Your breathing and coughing will improve after 1-9 months, and you’ll begin to cough productively – which cleans your lungs and reduces your risk of infection.
Your risk of coronary artery disease is reduced by 50 percent after just one year.
After 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s.

Mark Your Calendar!

2021 Great American Smokeout: Thursday, November 18

The Great American Smokeout is observed every year on the third Thursday of November. This event, organized by the American Cancer Society, aims to encourage people in America to quit smoking or at least make a plan to quit.

On this day, smokers are challenged to not smoke for at least 24 hours, in what will hopefully inspire them to take the first step in quitting. If you or someone you love is a tobacco user, consider observing this important day.

CT Lung Cancer Screenings

If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years, you may be eligible for a low-dose CT lung screening to determine your risk of developing lung cancer. Visit wakemed.org/lung-health to learn more.

Ready to Stop Smoking?

Whether you just want more information, hope to reduce your use of tobacco, or want
to quit altogether — our team is here to help. To learn more, call 919-350-QUIT (7848).

Enjoy other heart and vascular stories of interest in our latest edition of Heart to Heart magazine.

You may also subscribe and receive our free publication by mail.