19 Nov The Great American Smoke Out 

Smokers and users of vaping devices are encouraged to participate in the Great American Smokeout by setting their quit date as Thursday, November 21. Quitting commercial tobacco and nicotine is one of the best steps you can take to improve your health, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Every year, around 1,000 North Dakotans die from commercial tobacco use.   

Bonnie Riely was a pack a day smoker for over 30 years.  When she started having heart pains and wheezing, she decided to quit smoking.  Bonnie also watched her mother, who was also a long-time smoker, struggle with COPD.  Bonnie had tried several times and knew it wasn’t going to be easy.  She made a plan and enrolled in the Quit Smoking program at First District Health Unit.  With the help of Nicotine replacement aids, support from others who were going through the same journey, and the motivation to be healthier, she has been smoke free for 15 years.  

Bonnie is now a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist at First District Heath Unit.  She holds Kick Start quit classes and will do consultations for individuals who are interested in quitting smoking, vaping or chewing.   As a former smoker she can relate to individuals and help them plan their quit. You may contact her at bfriely@nd.gov or 701-837-5171. 

Sarah’s Story 

“When I would wake up the first thing I would do is smoke, when on break at work the first thing I would do is smoke, before and after meals I would smoke and also right before bed. Smoking controlled my life. One afternoon after a cigarette I felt a flutter in my chest. It was scary and at that point I knew enough was enough. I also thought about how much money I was going to save being a pack a day smoker since I was 14 years old.  

I started working with Bonnie and she gave me the tools and guidance to help me quit. Her classes are really fun and informative, and she is an amazing teacher and mentor! I wouldn’t have been able to quit without her help and the tools she provided me. My lungs owe her the biggest thank you. I am no longer out of breath doing simple tasks like going down the stairs. With her help I am now a year and a half smoke free!”