Vow to quit smoking on Nov. 19 as part of the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event

Even though tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, more than 46 million Americans smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 443,000 people die annually from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

Along with the American Cancer Society, Wright State Physicians encourages smokers to take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Smokers can take steps to create a healthier life by setting a quit date, telling loved ones when they plan to quit, removing cigarette products from the home and workplace and talking with their physician about quitting.

Wright State Physicians Internal Medicine encourages smokers to work with their physician, nurse practitioner and pharmacist on a plan to stop smoking. Chris Carter, a family nurse practitioner at Wright State Physicians Internal Medicine, is a tobacco cessation specialist. She helps patients develop quit plans, prescribes medication and provides support.

Wright State Physicians Family Medicine also encourages smokers to make an appointment with their primary care physician to develop a plan to quit smoking.

“We use motivational interviewing to help people quit smoking,” said Therese Zink, M.D., a physician at Wright State Physicians Family Medicine and chair and professor of the Department of Family Medicine at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “The physician and the patient work together to determine what goals are important to the patient and develop a plan to achieve those goals.”

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Wright State Physicians Internal Medicine, call 937-223-5350. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Wright State Physicians Family Medicine, call 937-245-7200.