June 3 is going to be a day of change for a lot of people. This is the day the cigarette tax increases by $1.25.

Many people will quit smoking on or before this date. Not only because they will be saving money, but also because they have come to realize that their health issues are not going to go away unless they quit smoking now. Quitting now would be a good decision with the price of groceries and gasoline rising nearly every week.

Smokers, understandably, may be angry at the cost increase. They should think about directing their anger at the tobacco companies who have done nothing but addict them to a product, which, when used as directed will kill most of them. The increased price of cigarettes will not only lead to current smokers quitting, it will also prevent more than 240,000 children who are alive today from becoming replacement smokers.

Raising the price of cigarettes, along with media campaigns and telephone based counseling are some of the most effective ways to get smokers to quit and prevent others from starting smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Best Practices.

For those who are looking for some extra help to quit smoking for good, free coaching is available from the NYS Smokers#, Quitline at 1 (866) NYQUITS. Nicotine replacement products like the patch, gum and lozenge are also available to qualified individuals free of charge. Additionally, University Hospital in Syracuse will be offering free smoking cessation classes starting June 3 to assist the many people who have decided to quit once and for all. Please call 464-8668 to register.

Anne E. McCarthy

Auburn

McCarthy writes on behalf of the Cayuga County Tobacco Free Partnership