Commit to Quit, a 12-week group program and smoking cessation research study led by researchers at The Miriam Hospital’s Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, will celebrate its one-year anniversary at the Kent County YMCA in Warwick on June 28.

Nearly 90 women have participated in the Kent County program and recruitment is currently ongoing. Designed by women for women, Commit to Quit provides information on how to prepare to stop smoking, ways to handle nicotine withdrawal, the skills needed to quit, and the tools to stay smoke free. All participants receive a three-month membership to the either the Kent County YMCA in Warwick, the EastSide/Mt. Hope YMCA in Providence or the Newman YMCA in Seekonk, at no cost to them.

Women are divided into two groups: an exercise group and a health and wellness group. Those in the exercise group will be given a regimented exercise program to follow, while those in the health and wellness group will be taught about lifestyle changes, healthy eating strategies, and stress management. Both strategies have proven to be effective in helping with smoking cessation. Any woman who wishes to use the assistance of nicotine patches will be provided them at no charge.

This successful study is still actively enrolling participants. Eligible participants should be:

• Female smokers, 18 to 65 years old
• Not regular exercisers
• In general good health

Participants will meet with staff on a weekly basis at the YMCA. For women who are already a member of the YMCA, the study will pay for membership for three months. For more information, contact the Commit to Quit study research staff at 401-793-8210 or by email at committoquit@lifespan.org.