Guest Column: Help Someone Take First Step Toward a Nicotine-Free Life

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The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, Nov. 16 — a great day to remind friends, co-workers and family about quitting smoking or vaping.

Developed by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout is a day for people who use tobacco and nicotine to start their journey toward a nicotine-free life. It is a perfect opportunity to think about quitting and its many benefits — physically, mentally, and financially, and maybe even plan a quit attempt.

Remember, quitting can take many tries and help is always available for anyone who uses tobacco or nicotine and who wants to quit, whether on November 16 or at any other time.

Stopping smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or nicotine products takes time and courage. Encourage people to take the first step by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to talk with a free "quit coach" or by enrolling online at mass.gov/quitting. 1-800-QUIT-NOW is Massachusetts' tobacco and nicotine Quitline.

The Quitline is open 24 hours each day, seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) and experienced coaches are ready to help. They'll share strategies to curb cravings, handle life's big and small stresses, and tackle relapses.

In addition, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has a dedicated Spanish line (1-855-DÉJELO-YA) and interpreter services are available for 200 other languages, so language doesn't need to be a barrier to getting support. And specialized support is available for people who use menthol products, for pregnant people and for people facing mental health challenges.

Thanks for supporting people who use tobacco and nicotine on Nov. 16 and any time. Quitting can take repeated attempts and it all starts by taking the first step. With the help of the Quitline and your support during the Great American Smokeout, anyone can become tobacco and nicotine free, beginning a journey to better health.

See a video about the Massachusetts Quitline below. Visit mass.gov/quitting for more information and to access online or phone support.

Joyce Brewer is program manager a the Berkshire Tobacco-Free Community Partnership at Berkshire Area Health Education Center in Dalton. For more information on the impact of tobacco on your community: 413-842-5160 for jbrewer@berkshireahec.org.

 


Tags: smoking awareness,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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