Winona Health, Main Street Clinic: Rock on to quit smoking — kill it with kindness

WINONA, Wis. (WKBT) — Anybody who’s every quit smoking — not to mention their family and friends — knows it’s nigh unto impossible to do so with good humor, but Winona Health’s cardiac rehabilitation staff and the Main Street Clinic are proposing a solution.
They are dovetailing World Kindness Day on Friday, Nov. 13, with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19, to help smokers kick the habit with kindness instead of being crabby.
After all, everybody knows COVID-19 already has spawned enough irritability to last for decades, so it’s about time to put on happy faces.

“By quitting — or even decreasing — tobacco use, you will be taking an immediate step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk,” said Lynn Sprain of Winona Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

Kristin Badenhorst of the Main Street Clinic said, “Now is a great time to quit tobacco, and make 2020 memorable for something positive. If you are ready, but need additional guidance or resources, the team at Main Street Clinic is here to help you.”

For the kindness part of the effort, the rehab staff and the clinic:
• Are inviting people to paint an encouraging message on a pocket-sized rock and drop it off at the clinic at 107 W. Fourth St. by World Kindness Day.
• Each rock will be added to a Quit Kit that Winona Health’s cardiac rehab staff will assemble.
• The free Quit Kits will be available at the clinic the week of the Great American Smokeout, Nov. 16-20. Anyone who is interested in quitting tobacco can stop in and pick up a kit while supplies last.

The rehab staff and clinic suggest possible messages for the rocks:
• You’ve got this.
• Believe in yourself.
• This time!
• Yes, you can!
• You’re strong!
• Worth it!
• Inspire others.
• Breathe.

More information is available at the Main Street Clinic website.

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