Tobacco Cessation & Prevention

Courage to Quit Cessation Courses

The L.C.H.D. is proud to partner with the I.H.R. Counseling Services to offer the Courage to Quit smoking cessation course. This free three session course is certified by the American Respiratory Association and proven highly effective in helping individuals quit nicotine. Registration is required. Please call 815-842-5908 or email efogarty@lchd.us for questions and to register. To learn more about the Courage to Quit course, visit the R.H.A. website.  If you are unable to attend one of the upcoming courses and would still like to participate, please call us for possible accommodations. 

2023 Courage to Quit Schedule 

Note: Schedule subject to change

2024 Courage to Quit Schedule In-Progress - Check back for updates. 

Additional Nicotine Cessation Resources 

• Call the toll-free Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES (866-784-8937) to see if you qualify for free nicotine replacement therapy.

Tips for Making Livingston County a Tobacco-Free Community

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act (S.F.I.A.) started in 2008 in an effort to create healthier smoke-free environments. Per this law, use of tobacco products is prohibited indoors and within 15' of any entrance to a building. If you would like to submit a complaint of business that may be in violation, you can do so by calling the LCHD at 815-842-5908 or submitting a complaint through the Illinois Department of Public Health complaints website. All complaints are anonymous.

Upcoming Changes to S.F.I.A. (January 2024)

On January 1, 2024, a new amendment to the S.F.I.A. will take effect: 

"Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Includes the use of alternative nicotine products and electronic cigarettes in the definition of "smoke" or "smoking". Defines "electronic cigarette", "nicotine", and "tobacco product". Effective January 1, 2024." 

This means that vaping and the use of the electronic cigarettes will now be prohibited indoors and within 15' of any entrance to a building.  You can read this amendment in-full HERE.

Support for New & Existing Businesses 

The L.C.H.D. is here to support new and existing businesses in fostering a healthy smoke-free environment and complying with the requirements of the S.F.I.A.  Local business owners and managers are encouraged to contact us at 815-842-5908 with questions about the S.F.I.A. and requests for supportive resources. 

Smoking & Diabetes

Most people who have diabetes know that quitting smoking can help them manage their diabetes. But did you know quitting smoking may lower the risk of developing diabetes? Studies show that smoking affects how well a person's body uses insulin. Smoking raises blood sugar levels which makes it harder to control diabetes, and puts people at greater risk for developing diabetes. Once a person has diabetes, smoking increases their risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Smoking also damages blood vessels and can increase a person's risk of foot ulcers and infections. If you already have diabetes quitting smoking is advised. If you smoke and have other risk factors for developing diabetes such as: being over age 45; having a parent or sibling who has diabetes; being overweight; or being a woman who had gestational diabetes, it is important to reduce the risk factors you can control - like quitting smoking. We can help! 

Risks of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke has been classified as a Group A carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a rating used only for substances proven to cause cancer in humans. According to the CDC, the following is true of secondhand smoke exposure: 

• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. People who do not smoke who are exposed to secondhand smoke, even for a short time, can suffer harmful health effects.
• In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke exposure can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.
• Secondhand smoke can cause adverse reproductive health effects in women, including low birth weight.^1,3
• In children, secondhand smoke exposure can cause respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks. In babies, secondhand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Since 1964, about 2,500,000 people who did not smoke died from health problems caused by secondhand smoke exposure.
• The effects of secondhand smoke exposure on the body are immediate.^1,3  Secondhand smoke exposure can produce harmful inflammatory and respiratory effects within 60 minutes of exposure which can last for at least three hours after exposure.

You can help reduce others exposure to secondhand smoke by not smoking in your home and vehicle, smoking at least 15' away from any entrance, and being mindful of wind direction and how close others are to you while you are smoking. You can do a lot to help keep others healthy and safe around you.