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Make 2010 the year to quit smoking, for good
PICAYUNE — No one ever said quitting smoking was easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There is no time like the start of a new year to give it a try. Here are several ways to make it a little bit easier on yourself.
First things first — get help. “Nicotine is a very addictive drug that is difficult for even the strongest person to stop using,” said Roy Hart, director of the Mississippi State Department of Health’s (MSDH) Office of Tobacco Control. “Getting professional help can really increase your chances of successfully quitting. In fact, those who get help are twice as likely to quit using tobacco for good.”
Help is only a phone call away. Mississippians who want to quit using tobacco can access free tobacco cessation services by calling the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW. Tobacco users can receive counseling at no cost, and they may be eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapies, such as a nicotine patch or gum.
Next, set a quit day. “Select a date to stop smoking that is far enough in the future to make plans, but close enough that your quit date is near,” said Kellie Lamb, Director of Pearl River and Hancock County MS Tobacco Free Coalition. “New Year’s Day is a perfect quit day.”
Make sure you put your quit day on your calendar where you will see it and remember the goal that you want to accomplish.
Avoiding triggers is another way to help yourself along your journey to a smoke-free life. “Avoid people and places that may trigger the urge to smoke,” said Kellie Lamb. “If you are invited to an occasion where you know people will be smoking, it may be a good idea to decline the invitation for now.”
Substitute smoking with another activity; just try to not to replace it with eating. Try taking a walk, chewing gum or writing in a journal instead. “Reward yourself in some way when you make it through a day without smoking,” suggested Kellie Lamb. “Buy yourself something nice with all of that money you saved by not lighting up.”
Remember, the sooner you stop smoking, the sooner you and your family can start living a healthier life. For more information about tobacco cessation, email the MS Tobacco Free Coalition of Pearl River and Hancock County at klamb@alams.org or visit www.HealthyMS.com.
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Meet our PRC Item Jr. Reporter: Kyra Baudoin
Kyra Baudoin is a Senior at PRC High School, where she serves as Blue Maskers Troupe President. She is on the swim team and holds down an after school job, at Dockside.
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The Crosby Arboretum Concert Series begins
Music lovers are invited to relax and enjoy several bluegrass, country, blues and jazz performers in the Crosby Arboretum’s scenic outdoor setting.
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Guiding Light Stories: Hanging on to the horses tail
In recent years I fell in love with gospel music. I had been raised on , but due to some life trauma’s I had fallen away from its beauty. Many times when I have been in hard places the Gaither’s and other gospel singers refueled my spiritual fire.
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Spotlight on families in the service
Koepp’s bio is as follows: Gregory R. Koepp, II is from McNeill, MS and is married to Aimee Collette Lee. He is the father of Olivia Grace, Parker James and Betsy Faith and resides in Gales Ferry, Conn. where he serves in the submarine force at Naval Base New London.
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Eliza Jane Poitevent Nicholson, Picayune’s most illustrious native:
Eliza Jane Poitevent Holbrook Nicholson is recognized in the community of Picayune as the poet Pearl Rivers who grew up in Picayune and became owner and editor of the “The Daily Picayune,” later the “Times-Picayune.” She is also recognized as the lady that named Picayune (after her newspaper) and Nicholson (after her 2nd husband). Not as many know of the trauma she suffered shortly after her marriage to Alva M. Holbrook, who owned “The Daily Picayune.” Holbrook’s divorced wife, Jennie Bronson, on hearing of the marriage, traveled from New York to New Orleans with murder in her thoughts and attacked Eliza. Transcribed below is the testimony of Eliza at the trial shortly after the attack, extracted from the “Daily Picayune” newspaper microfilm files at the Williams Research Center in New Orleans:
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Our last day together
Tom Andrews begins his retirement today. After 32 years with the Picayune Item, he is embarking on his newest adventure— retired life. We, his staff at the Item, appreciate the time that he gave to us, our families and our community. We wish him happy sailing and lots of Blues.
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2010-2011 Mayor’s Youth Council
The Mayor’s Youth Council has kicked off the new school year with an enthusiastic group of young people as members.
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Spies like us
I always feel like somebody’s watching me. Sing along.
Paranoia, I think I have a case of it. I have begun to think that every thing I say or do may be monitored, videoed or listened to. Should that worry me? My husband thinks I say to anyone, anything that comes out of my head without a filter anyway. Why would a person like me worry? -
Nothing but spiders for miles and miles
Miles and miles of spiders are back at the Arboretum.
Have you seen the spider show on I-59? I first noticed this spectacular three-mile display of spider webs last August, while driving north between the Honey Island Swamp exit and the Pearl River Turnaround. -
The Animal Shelter of Picayune’s : “Tale of Two Kitties”
Maria Diamond works with cats at the Animal Shelter of Picayune and has a few stories of what she calls “long distance love.” This term refers to occasions when someone comes from out of state to adopt a kitten or dog from the shelter.
The shelter lists their animals on their own website and on www.Petfinders.com. These animals are then available for viewing by potential families from all over. One such family came from Juneau, Alaska. - More Features Headlines
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