This summer, the local tobacco control coalition for Kosciusko/Wabash County is promoting a statewide stop smoking contest known as “Quit Now Indiana.” This year’s theme seeks to encourage tobacco users to use the summer months to “train” for their next quit attempt.

“Quitting tobacco takes planning. Setting up a training plan to drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat healthy, are all tips to have a successful attempt to quit smoking,” says Dan Gray, director of the Kosciusko/Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition.  “There is a cessation class available at the Kosciusko County YMCA that will provide the needed exercise, healthy eating instruction, and stress release tips.”

Call 260-274-2920 to register and for any questions.

Gray also recommends obtaining a quit coach at the Indiana Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW for training tips that meet your needs.

The statewide contest is designed to encourage Hoosiers using tobacco products to make an attempt to quit now by offering them a chance to win cash prizes up to $2,500 for remaining tobacco-free for 31 days. The promotional contest is part of a larger statewide campaign known as Quit Now Indiana, linking tobacco users to cessation resources.

To be eligible to win, contestants must be 18 years or older, a legal resident of Indiana, a current tobacco user and stay tobacco free from Oct. 1-31. The registration period is now until Sept. 30, (all entries must be received by midnight on Sept. 30). Contest winners will be drawn at random and will be tested to make sure they are tobacco-free to be eligible to claim a prize(s).

The 2012 contest is supported by St. Vincent Health and MDWise Hoosier Alliance. Last year’s contest received over 4,500 entries representing every county in Indiana.

The contest comes at an important time, as there are fewer places to smoke with the new statewide smoke free air law in Indiana. Hoosier tobacco users can get free help in quitting from the Indiana Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

“There has never been a better time to quit”, said Gray. “Our local coalition is ready to help every Hoosier in the county who wants to quit and be successful.”

Local coalitions have been educating employers about the new state smoke free air law. The contest provides employers with a fun way to help their employees quit.

The Quit Now Preferred Employer Network currently consists of more than 800 employers in Indiana committed to helping their employees quit tobacco use. Last year with the participation of the Preferred Network employers, the campaign reached more than 150 worksites with this great incentive to quit tobacco.

Employers interested in participating in the Preferred Employer Network can request contest materials at QuitNowIndiana.com or for additional information, call (317) 234-1787.

Eligible Hoosiers can register online at QuitNowIndiana.com and INShapeIndiana.org or register at participating employers or visit any one of the following locations:

• Kosciusko County YMCA, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw
• Warsaw Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, 313 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw
• Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, 110 1/2 E Main St., Syracuse
• Syracuse Community Center

To learn more about the resources available to you to quit smoking today, please visit the Quit Now Indiana website at QuitNowIndiana.com or call Dan Gray at 260-274-2920.