Crossings TV Asian Television
As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31st, the ASQ reminds all tobacco users to take the first step towards a healthier life by saying no to tobacco.
Every year, tobacco use claims the lives of millions of people worldwide, including a significant number of individuals in the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. Despite this, many tobacco users struggle to quit due to the addictive nature of tobacco products.
The good news is using quit aids can make quitting easier by reducing withdrawal symptoms. Below are some of the FDA approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products for reference:
| Types | How it’s Used? | How it Works? | Where to get it? |
| Nicotine Patch | Worn on the skin like a Band-Aid | Gives nicotine to the body through the skin | Over-the-counter |
| Nicotine Gum | Chewed and “parked” between the cheek and gums | Gives nicotine to the body through the lining of the mouth | Over-the-counter |
| Nicotine Lozenge | Looks like hard candy and dissolves in the mouth | Gives nicotine to the body through the lining of the mouth | Over-the-counter |
Although NRT are found to be helpful, they are not “magic bullets” that guarantee smokers will quit. However, NRT work better if you get some coaching on tips and tools to quit smoking successfully. The ASQ is staffed by trained quit coaches who understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. By calling ASQ’s respective language quitline, a Cantonese & Mandarin, Korean or Vietnamese speaking tobacco users can receive free coaching sessions and materials. In addition, eligible smokers will receive a free two-week supply of nicotine patches.
“As World No Tobacco Day approaches, we want to remind all tobacco users that it’s never too late to quit,” said Dr. Shu-Hong Zhu, Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego. “By taking the first step and calling or texting the ASQ, individuals can access the support they need to quit tobacco and improve their health.”
Here are the different ways to connect with ASQ:
- Texting
Text one of these in-language key phrases [戒煙/戒烟/금연/Bỏ hút thuốc ] to 66819 to receive daily text in Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese during the first vital weeks of quitting with ASQ. These messages are tailored to assist you at key points throughout your quitting journey, including practical tips for quitting and staying quit. You can also text questions and a quit coach will respond to your message accordingly.
- Online Registration
Tobacco users can also sign up online at www.asiansmokersquitline.org Reading materials will be emailed after the registration is completed. A fter completing the online enrollment with ASQ, the quit advisors will contact tobacco users to see if they are eligible for a free two-week supply of nicotine patches.
- Phone
The ASQ offers support not only to tobacco users, but also to their family and friends who wish to help them quit. Our professional quit tobacco use advisors are available to provide tips and advice on how to support others in quitting. During our operation hours, Chinese-, Korean-, or Vietnamese-speaking quit coaches will answer the phone according to the phone number dialed.
The ASQ is dedicated to providing support and resources to those who want to quit. This World No Tobacco Day let’s work together to say no to tobacco and promote a healthier future for all.
About Asian Smokers Quitline (ASQ):
ASQ is funded by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2012. ASQ provides FREE evidence-based quit smoking services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese to over 20,000 individuals in the U.S. and eligible tobacco users can receive a free two-week supply of nicotine patches. Studies have shown that smokers who enroll in ASQ services double their chances of quitting successfully.
ASQ operates Monday through Friday, 7am to 9pm Pacific Time (10am – Midnight Eastern Time).
To learn more about ASQ, visit www.asiansmokersquitline.org/
