 Well it's been known for some time now that smoking or chewing tobacco can cause serious health problems. Tonight Clayton Castle tells us about a program in essential health that is helping people kick the habit. In 2015 an estimated 36.5 million Americans smoked cigarettes according to the Centers for Disease Control. However for those looking to kick the habit the smoking and tobacco cessation program at essential health is aiming to lower that number at least in Minnesota. We can start with people who want to quit but we can also help people who are thinking well maybe I want to quit maybe I don't I'm not sure we can do that too and part of our job is to raise their own motivation and to build their own confidence in their ability to quit. The program is designed to create a joint collaboration effort for a patient who is looking to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. It's really works best as a partnership. Patients know themselves better than we do so if we can come alongside them and help them that's when that's usually the most successful. While the program has only been around for about two years the numbers are showing you success with those who have taken advantage of the program. From the patients that we've seen that our success rate is is pretty good the evidence shows that patients that see somebody faced for face-to-face counseling and also used medication are the most likely to quit. In the meantime the program is gearing up for the great american smoke out a national day where people can collectively quit the habit and begin their healthier lifestyle. A lot of patients have tried a number of times to quit and sometimes they feel kind of discouraged about that but we see it as a good thing in that it's important enough that they're willing to continue trying to quit or they're willing to try it again that's a great day to do it. There are smoking tobacco cessation specialists in a number of communities where there is an essential health clinic including Pillager, Emily and Pequot Lakes. Reporting from the Ascension Health Baxter Clinic Clayton Castle, Lakeland News. According to the Department of Health and Human Services more than 16 million people are living with at least one disease related to smoking. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.