Despite the decline of cigarette smoking and tobacco use, statistics are still staggering. According to the American Lung Association, 16 percent of Americans use tobacco products, which costs the nation $333 billion annually in health care expenses and lost productivity. Even more alarming: more than 16 million people live with smoking-related diseases, and tobacco use is attributed to almost half a million deaths per year in our country.
In order to remedy this critical health concern, the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy will offer a six-week Beat the Pack Tobacco Cessation Program on Tuesdays, starting Aug 22. The class will be held from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the community room of the Athens-Clarke County Firehouse #7, which is located at 2350 Barnett Shoals Road in Athens. According to the lead instructor, Kay Brooks, an associate director in the College of Pharmacy’s Experience Programs, the class is free; however, “Attendees should be committed to participating.”
