 On Thursday, October 19th, the Pike County Health Department will begin their freedom from smoking class for individuals with nicotine addiction. The content is approved by the American Lung Association and incorporates evidence-based research. The course itself lasts eight weeks and takes place in a safe, confidential environment. It's an eight-week course. It's American Lung Association approved course. It's evidence-based. And what that means is it works. The tri-history has proven that this course works, which is why American Lung Association has approved it. It's an eight-week course. It's in a group setting at the Pike County Health Department. But what happens in the group stays in the group. It's highly confidential. But that support group and accountability is very important to outcomes. And it's an hour to an hour and a half on Thursdays starting October 19th for eight weeks right here at the Pike County Health Department. You want to save money and Appalachian Wireless gets that. Right now, you can get up to $650 off select devices, including the latest and the greatest on the advantage and limited plan with a trade-in. Did y'all hear me? Up to $650 off select devices, including the latest and greatest with a trade-in. I'm not a math whiz, but this deal, it's amazing. And you'll be on the region's premier network. We are you. We are Appalachian Wireless. See Appalachian Wireless.com for complete terms and conditions. The benefits of quitting smoking include maintaining a healthy weight, improved respiratory function and reduced chances of lung cancer. Those interested can contact the Pike County Health Department to sign up for free. There are short, medium and long-term benefits from smoking, even if you smoke for many years. For example, as soon as you quit smoking, your heart rate goes down in a matter of minutes. Your nicotine levels goes down in a matter of hours. One year after quit smoking, your chest pain and shortness of breath have improved significantly. And look down the road at like 10 years. Your risk of lung cancer are cut in half. There's many other benefits. These are just a few. And the Freedom from Smoking Course American Lung Association approved is free now for Pike County residents. Reporting from Mountain Top News, I'm Nick Collum.