Health

Smoking cessation classes find success online during pandemic

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A recent Harvard study found a third of smokers said they smoked more during the pandemic.

At the same time, smoking cessation programs like Tobacco Free Florida were forced online.

The shift to the virtual platform became so popular in helping smokers kick the habit, it’s now here to stay.

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Thousands of smokers across the state committed to quit this year. They joined Tobacco Free Florida’s “Quit Your Way” program that went virtual in the pandemic.

Certified “quit” specialists guide those looking to stop using all forms of tobacco with education, followed by practical steps and free tools.

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The virtual platform has proven so popular, it’s now a permanent option.

Tobacco Free Florida has hosted more than 1,200 virtual classes this year, helping thousands of people live smoke-free.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.