Kick the habit

NORWICH – The William W. Backus Hospital will offer the American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking” program focusing on group support and behavior modification beginning Jan. 8. Certified instructors will lead the sessions at the Backus Outpatient Care Center, 111 Salem Turnpike in Norwich, on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. through Feb. 19. Week four is “Quit Week” and will include an additional cessation class on Jan. 31. The cost of the program is $50, however, participants who complete all eight sessions will receive a $50 refund. To register for the program call 860- 889-8331 ext. 6381. In a previous class, 21 participants completed all eight sessions and received their refund. Twelve reported that they quit smoking completely, and all but two said they cut down significantly.