Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/78900
‘I Was the Last Person I Thought Could Quit Smoking’ Fifty-two-year-old Jill Castaldi of Freehold admits she always wanted to quit smoking, but like most smokers never thought she could actually do it. “I knew smoking wasn’t good for me, and I wanted to be healthier and live longer,” says Jill, human resources partner at CentraState Medical Center. “I learned about the smoking cessation classes offered through the Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center and thought to myself, ‘Why not?’ And I gave it a try.” Clearing the Smoke A CentraState employee for more than 15 years, Jill confesses she’s still shocked that she’s been smoke-free for five years—and doesn’t miss it. “It’s tempting sometimes, but I have no desire to smoke again,” Jill says. “I can actually taste and smell the real flavors and aromas of food, things you never realize were missing until you stop smoking.” She credits the smoking cessation program at CentraState for giving her the means and motivation to kick butts for good. “The smoking cessation coaches were really caring, concerned, and always available to call for support,” Jill says. “They made me feel comfortable and were very informative. I wouldn’t have quit if it weren’t for those classes.” Jill encourages skeptics to give smoking cessation a chance. If you fail, dust yourself off and try again—because quitting can be accomplished. For more information or to sign up for a smoking cessation class, call the HAC at (732) 308-0570. Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus • 901 West Main Street, Freehold NJ 07728 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS—SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 For more information about this and other classes, screenings, special events, and more offered through the HAC, and to register, visit www.centrastate.com/healthprograms or call the HAC at (732) 308-0570, unless otherwise noted. Time to Quit! Smoking Cessation Program/Tobacco Dependency Treatment Program Give yourself the gift of life… Certified tobacco treatment specialists meet with you for an individual assessment to create a plan just for you. Following your private assessment, six scheduled group meetings provide the support and professional guidance you need as you go through withdrawal and beyond. For more information, call the Health Awareness Center at (723) 308-0570 to register for our free orientation on October 8 at 6:30 p.m. Classes start Oct. 29, 2012.