Lung Institute Partners with AHEC for Smoking Cessation Classes in Tampa

The Lung Institute will host a six-week smoking cessation class conducted by the Gulfcoast North Area Health Education Center (AHEC) starting June 6.

The Lung Institute has partnered with the Gulfcoast North Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to host a six-week smoking cessation class starting June 6 at their clinic in downtown Tampa. The class is complimentary for the public. Register online through AHEC's website, www.gnahec.org.

Additionally, the Lung Institute has created a free downloadable 4 Week Smoking Cessation Guide for those who are unable to attend the class.

"Our staff sees patients every day who have a lung disease as a result of smoking," said Lung Institute Executive Vice President Lynne Margnelli. "If we can help community members quit today, then we're helping them have healthier lungs tomorrow."

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly caused by smoking, and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The Lung Institute treats COPD patients using stem cell therapy. The treatment is a three-day, minimally invasive outpatient procedure using cells taken from a patient's own body. A pilot study conducted by the Lung Institute found that 84 percent of 100 COPD patients reported an improvement in their quality of life after receiving stem cell therapy.

American actor Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek) suffered from COPD prior to his death on February 27, 2015. About a year before his death, he tweeted, "Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage, it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now. LLAP. [Live long, and prosper.]"

Through its partnership with AHEC, the Lung Institute seeks to promote lung health in the community. Later this year, they will roll out a month-long Healthy Lungs Challenge anyone can participate in to improve their lung health. Through initiatives like AHEC's smoking cessation classes and the Healthy Lungs Challenge, the Lung Institute strives to help the local community breathe easier.

The six-week smoking cessation classes will be held at the Lung Institute's Tampa clinic.

Lung Institute
201 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 425
Tampa, FL 33602

Class schedule:
Every Monday
June 6th - July 18th
4:00pm - 5:00pm

June 6
June 13
June 20
June 27
July 11
July 18
***No class on July 4th***

To register, visit www.ghahec.org, or contact Kadie Kluttz at (813) 929-1000.

About the Lung Institute

The Lung Institute is a leading medical provider of regenerative cellular therapy for lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease in the United States. Founded in 2013 in Tampa, Fla., the Lung Institute has treated over 2,000 patients and operates clinics in Tampa, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Pittsburgh, Pa. and Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.lunginstitute.com or call (800) 382-8095.

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