Community Health & Wellness FAQs | Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Your Immune System

Why is the immune system important?

Scientists recognize that a healthy immune system fights infection. As we age, our immune response is reduced, which makes our bodies more susceptible to cancer and infections. Respiratory infections such as the flu and pneumonia are a leading cause of death in people over 65 years of age. In addition, people who are malnourished are more susceptible to infectious diseases, and those who don’t get enough healthy food with vitamins and minerals (“micronutrients”), have poor absorption, or a lack of variety in their diet may also be more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune systems.

These evidence-based methods help boost the immune system:

Get balanced nutrition (with recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals)
Keep your gut (digestive tract) healthy
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Get enough sleep
Minimize stress
Drink alcohol only in moderation
Don't abuse drugs or smoke
Keep hands clean to avoid germs and infection

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Council on Aging
Medical News Today

How does nutrition help boost the immune system?

According to the CDC, benefits of healthy eating for adults include:

May help you live longer
Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy
Supports muscles
Boosts immunity
Strengthens bones
Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
Helps the digestive system function
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Studies show that getting proper nutrition and eating foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants protect against chronic oxidative stress-related diseases and reduce inflammation in the body. Maintaining gut (digestive tract) health is also important for overall health and supporting your immune system. Bacteria in your gut not only helps you digest foods but it also works throughout your body to keep you healthy. An array of gut bacteria and other microbes - called flora or microbiota - aid in regulating body weight, reducing inflammation, and fighting diseases and illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

If you have diabetes, Valley Presbyterian Hospital offers a free “Live Well with Diabetes” class with interactive presentations and discussions with a Dietitian, Pharmacist and Fitness Instructor, to help you successfully manage diabetes, prevent hypoglycemia and manage insulin. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central

What vitamins and minerals are important for a healthy immune system?

Below are some of the vitamins and minerals (“micronutrients”) that are important for immune response. In addition to getting proper nutrition in food, studies have also shown that taking certain oral vitamins and supplements can also help boost your immune system and reduce respiratory infections, especially when at risk for having deficiencies. For example, people at risk for vitamin D deficiency are older, do not get sun, have dark skin, have problems absorbing fat, and are taking certain medications. Although more research is needed, studies have also linked vitamin D deficiencies with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), and respiratory infections such as the flu and tuberculosis. Another study released in April 2022 found that a concentration of vitamin D in the body was associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. In the same study, a high intake of vitamin D from supplements was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization from COVID-19.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports immune system functions and healthy eyesight, and a decreased risk for infections such as measles. The current recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A is 900mcg for adult men and 700mcg for adult women.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports immune cell function and helps to replace old cells with new ones. Studies have shown that it reduces duration and severity of respiratory infections. The current recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C is 90mg for adults.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D builds enhances white blood cells and decreases inflammation. Studies have shown that it improves immune response to resist bacteria and viruses, and may expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system. The current recommended Daily Value (DV) is 600 IU (15mcg) for adults, and 800 IU (20mcg) for adults over 70.

Zinc: Zinc helps the immune system's ability to function properly, and helps people protect against infectious disease such as respiratory infections. Studies have shown that it influences antiviral immunity. The current recommended Daily Value (DV) is 11mg for adults.

Quercetin: Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid polyphenol. Research shows that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Used with zinc, polyphenols such as Quercetin, have the potential to transport zinc (as an ionophore) into cell membranes, making zinc more effective. The current recommended allowance is 500mg daily for adults.

Elderberry: Elderberry has been shown to enhance immune system response and may help shorten the duration and severity of respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections. Elderberry should be used only under the direction of a healthcare professional as it could potentially have health risks.

Note: This is not a complete list. Some vitamins and supplements may interact with medications. Consult with your doctor about whether you should include certain vitamins and minerals in your diet.

If you have diabetes, Valley Presbyterian Hospital offers a free “Live Well with Diabetes” class with interactive presentations and discussions with a Dietitian, Pharmacist and Fitness Instructor, to help you successfully manage diabetes, prevent hypoglycemia and manage insulin. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical News Today
Medical News Today
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central

How can I keep my gut healthy to support my immune system?

A number of internal and external factors can affect your digestive track or gut health. Your genetics, internalizing stress, and the food you put into your body all play a role. Eating a diet that is rich in fiber, "prebiotics," and "probiotics" promote a well-balanced digestive system and help the body absorb nutrients.

What to eat: Eat a wide variety of vegetables in a rainbow of colors such as broccoli, zucchini, eggplant, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, brown or red potatoes, peas, collard greens, kale, radish, bok choy, arugula, and Brussels sprouts. Fruits are also beneficial for gut health including bananas, blueberries, kiwis, apples, raspberries and pears. Garlic, onions, artichokes, leeks, asparagus, whole grains, and oats are high in fructan which act as "prebiotics" to promote the production of good bacteria. Coffee, and black or green tea also increase the bacteria in the inner lining of the intestines. Fermented foods are natural "probiotics" which help improve absorption of minerals and increase good bacteria. These include yogurt, some raw cheeses (cheddar, feta, gruyere, Parmesan, Gouda), chickpeas, pickles, sauerkraut, salsa, kefir, miso, sourdough bread and other naturally fermented breads without the use of packaged yeast. Research also suggests that herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, rosemary, and oregano provide digestive or overall gut health benefits. Healthy oils are extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil, both of which can be used in cooking.

What to Reduce or Avoid: Emulsifiers and artificial ingredients can break the protective mucus layer where good microbiota are, causing inflammation and other problems. Some foods to avoid or cut back on include processed meats (sausage, pepperoni, hot dogs, bacon, ham), refined grains (white bread, bagels, white rice, noodles), processed cheeses (sliced singles), pre-flavored packaged foods (microwave popcorn, flavored nuts), frozen dinners, and other ready-to-eat foods. Watch for labels on foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup (soda drinks, candy bars, ice cream, condiments), as well as artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. Also look out for trans fats (fried foods, margarine), synthetic dyes, preservatives (potassium bromate, BHA/BHT, sodium nitrite/nitrate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate), and eating too much processed seed oils (corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed) often found in fast food and convenience foods (baked goods, crackers, candy, mayo, salad dressings, chips).

Note: These are not complete lists. Consult with your doctor about foods in your diet. If you have stress or anxiety, see more information below in the "Impacts of Stress" section.

Sources for further reading:
Harvard School of Public Health
MindBodyGreen
National Institutes of Health
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central

Your Baby's Health

Why is nutrition important for the health of my baby?

You want your baby to have the best start in life and nutrition is an important part of that. Breast milk is the greatest source of nutrition for most babies, and breastfeeding is good for both mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding can help protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs.

According to the CDC, breastfeeding provides the following benefits to your baby, lowering the risk for:

Asthma
Obesity
Type 1 diabetes
Severe lower respiratory disease
Acute otitis media (ear infections)
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants

The following are benefits for mothers, lowering the risk for:

Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure

If you are pregnant or a new mother, Valley Presbyterian Hospital offers free maternity classes and support to help you and your newborn. Offered in English and Spanish, our classes cover a range of topics including Baby Beginnings Infant Care, Breastfeeding Preparation, and a Baby Shower/Hospital Tour. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How does having diabetes affect my baby?

When babies are forming during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, they can be harmed by high blood glucose levels in mothers with diabetes. There is an increased risk that your baby will be premature, weigh too much, have breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth, or will be born with a birth defect. High blood glucose can also increase your risk for miscarriages or having a stillborn baby.

Conditions like eye problems and kidney disease associated with diabetes can also worsen while pregnant, and pregnant women with diabetes are at risk for developing toxemia, or a dangerous condition called preeclampsia.

The CDC has issued these guidelines for pregnancy and diabetes:

Before pregnancy: For women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor before getting pregnant. Preventive health care before and between pregnancies provides an opportunity to discuss changes in blood sugar levels, make adjustments to monitoring and medications, and check for and treat related health problems, such as high blood pressure.

During pregnancy: Whether you already had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or develop gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, managing your diabetes can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. See your doctor as recommended, monitor your blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan developed with your doctor or dietician, be physically active, and take insulin as directed (if needed). To help track your blood glucose levels during your pregnancy download a My Daily Blood Glucose Record from the National Institute of Diabetes, and for helpful tips, download the Gestational Diabetes flyer from the CDC.

After pregnancy: Women who had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. If you had gestational diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor to get tested for diabetes 4 to 12 weeks after your baby is born. If you don’t have diabetes at that time, continue to get tested every 1 to 3 years to make sure your blood sugar levels are in a healthy range.

If you have diabetes and are planning to have a baby, are currently pregnant, or recently gave birth, Valley Presbyterian Hospital offers a free “Live Well with Diabetes” class with interactive presentations and discussions with a Dietitian, Pharmacist and Fitness Instructor. The class covers how to successfully manage diabetes, prevent hypoglycemia and manage insulin. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Additionally, free maternity classes and support at Valley Presbyterian Hospital are offered to help new mothers and babies before, during and after pregnancy. Offered in English and Spanish, our classes cover a range of topics including Baby Beginnings Infant Care, Breastfeeding Preparation, and a Baby Shower/Hospital Tour. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Exercising to Stay Healthy

How can exercise help me stay healthy?

Physical activity improves health-aerobic activity and muscle strength. It can reduce stress and depression, sharpen focus, and improve sleep. Over time, it can help with living a longer, healthier life by lowering risk of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It may also help control blood pressure, keep a healthy weight, decrease pain, and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.

In addition, studies show that physical activity has anti-inflammatory benefits, stimulating the immune system and producing an anti-inflammatory cellular response. It is believed that exercise causes antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly to detect and fight disease earlier. It may also help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, which may reduce respiratory infections, and the brief rise in body temperature during and right after exercise may prevent bacteria from growing.

If you are over the age of 50, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has a free “Healthy Maturity Exercise” class designed to keep you moving, active, and your body pointed in the right direction. A Certified Physical Fitness Instructor teaches strength building, balance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and more. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

If you currently have diabetes, Valley Presbyterian Hospital offers a free “Live Well with Diabetes” class with interactive presentations and discussions with a Dietitian, Pharmacist and Fitness Instructor. The class covers how to successfully manage diabetes, prevent hypoglycemia and manage insulin. Visit our classes portal to learn more and sign up.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical News Today
National Library of Medicine - Medline Plus

What type and amount of exercise should I do?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides the following exercise guidelines for various age groups, conditions, and disabilities. Your doctor may also suggest certain types of exercise or safety tips based on the specific needs of you and your children.

Children (3-5 years): Physical activity every day throughout the day. Active play with a variety of activities.

Children & Adolescents (6-17 years): 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, with a variety. On at least 3 days a week, the 60 minutes should include vigorous activity such as running or soccer; activity that strengthens muscles such as climbing or push ups; and activity that strengthens the bones such as gymnastics or jumping rope.

Adults (18-64 years): At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity that gets the heart beating faster and keeps lungs healthy such as brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, playing ball, light gardening, or dancing. The activity doesn't need to be all at once and can be spread out throughout the week. At least 2 days each week activities should strengthen the major muscles (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, arms). Muscle strengthening may include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, exercises using body weight resistance (push-ups, sit-ups), heavy gardening (digging, shoveling), or some forms of yoga.

Older Adults (65 years and older): At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity that gets the heart beating faster and keeps lungs healthy including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance training. The activity doesn't need to be all at once and can be spread out throughout the week. Aerobic activity may include brisk walking, hiking, bicycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, dancing, or yard work such as raking or mowing. At least 2 days each week activities should strengthen the major muscles (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, arms). Muscle strengthening may include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, exercises using body weight resistance (push-ups, sit-ups), heavy gardening (digging, shoveling), or some forms of yoga.

Adults with Chronic Conditions and Disabilities: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity that gets the heart beating faster and keeps lungs healthy such as walking, bicycling, swimming, water aerobics, or wheelchair rolling. The activity doesn't need to be all at once and can be spread out throughout the week. At least 2 days each week activities should strengthen the major muscles (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, arms). Muscle strengthening may include using handheld weights, weight machines, some yoga postures, and working with exercise bands.

Healthy Pregnant or Postpartum Women: Unless there is a medical reason to avoid physical activity during or after pregnancy, women can begin or continue moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking. According to scientific evidence, the risks are very low. However, if you are pregnant, you should be under the care of a doctor who can monitor your pregnancy. Consult your doctor about whether or how to adjust your physical activity during and after your pregnancy.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

What is a healthy weight and why is it important?

According to the CDC, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 - 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range, 25 - 29.9 is overweight, and 30 or higher is obese. To find out your BMI, visit the links below:
BMI Calculator for Adults
BMI Calculator for Children and Teens

Obesity is linked to impaired immune function, and increases the risk of severe illness from diseases. A recent study shows that excess fat, especially abdominal fat, can trigger production of pro-inflammatory immune cells, which circulate in the blood and promote inflammation in the body. Health conditions associated with obesity and excess weight include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and breathing problems, various cancers, and body pain.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

What are the best ways to maintain or lose weight?

Nutrition and exercise are the best ways to control and keep a healthy weight to support the immune system.

It's important to eat foods that are packed with nutrients, including vitamins and supplements for boosting the immune system (see "Your Immune System" section above). The number of calories needed for maintaining or losing weight varies from person to person, and is related to physical activity, which helps burn calories. If the goal is to prevent weight gain, supply your body with the appropriate number of calories to maintain your weight. If the goal is to lose weight, fad diets are not recommended. Instead, make a commitment for dietary changes and healthy eating habits. Set realistic benchmarks, keep a food diary, and monitor progress. Eating habits, such as chewing slowly and only eating when hungry, can help improve outcomes.

In addition, physical activity provides immediate and long term benefits. The amount of physical activity needed depends partly on whether the goal is to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight (see minimum Exercise requirements in the section above).

Note: Consult your doctor before starting any weight loss program.

Source for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health

Getting Enough Sleep

Why is sleep important and how much should I get?

Sleep deprivation has many adverse effects, including damaging the immune system. Without enough sleep, studies show that the body has lower levels of white blood cells and infection-fighting antibodies, making it more susceptible to infections and respiratory diseases. In addition, during sleep, cytokines are released by your body to help fight infection and inflammation but without enough sleep, cytokine production is also reduced.

The amount of sleep needed varies by age. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, while people over the age of 60, children, and babies need more sleep. To identify a bedtime recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, use their Bedtime Calculator.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medicinet
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central

Is there anything I can do to get more sleep?

If you are having difficulty sleeping, there are a number of strategies you can try at home including keeping a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine, getting regular exercise, making your bedroom peaceful and quiet, and limiting or avoiding caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

Turning off cell phones and other devices 30 minutes before you go to bed is also helpful for your overall health. Our bodies have melatonin, a hormone that regulates and synchronizes our sleep-wake cycle. Darkness activates melatonin production while light from cell phones and other devices stops it. In addition, having a device nearby can stimulate the urge to check messages, respond, read, and post, which can keep you from the rest you need.

Sometimes insomnia is related to anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises and sleep apps may be helpful in reducing stress and normalizing sleep patterns. More research is needed but some studies have indicated that natural dietary supplements such as melatonin and valerian may also help adults relieve insomnia as an alternative for over-the-counter and prescription sleep medication.

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about a lack of sleep and before trying new remedies. Some remedies may interact with medications, and sleep medications can cause adverse effects or become habit forming.

Sources for further reading:
Medical News Today
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Impacts of Stress

How does stress affect my physical and mental health?

We all have stress, whether at home or at work. Sometimes stress is triggered by financial hardship, a demanding boss, a fight with a loved one, or a long commute. Anxiety is when your body has an actual physical reaction to the stress you're experiencing. The physical symptoms of stress vary but commonly include sleep challenges (fatigue or insomnia), muscle aches, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and eating problems (weight gain or weight loss). Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include anger, depression, sadness, lack of creativity, disinterest, and frustration.

If stress continues over an extended period time, it can be harmful to your health. When we have stress, our bodies release powerful neurochemicals and the hormone cortisol. Your body may think it is normal and continue producing high levels of cortisol. Research has shown that chronic stress affects wound healing, antibody responses to vaccines, susceptibility to infectious illnesses, the ability of the immune system to suppress latent viruses, and various inflammatory processes.

Sources for further reading:
National Institute of Mental Health
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

What are ways to prevent or treat stress?

Everyone handles stress in different ways. Taking care of your body can lower the effects of stress. Getting the right nutrients, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and avoiding excessive alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse are healthy ways to cope with stress.

When you are having difficulty coping, there are a number of self-help techniques that you can try such as inhaling and exhaling slowly, or counting to ten slowly and repeating if necessary. You can also try taking breaks from news stories that may be causing you stress, or spending less time in front of the TV, computer or mobile device. Another option is to do activities or hobbies that help you relax and get your mind off of stressful thoughts. Some people find baking, knitting, writing in a journal, listening to music, creating artwork, bird watching, gardening, playing with a pet, connecting with friends, or volunteering in the community can be helpful for reducing stress. Find something that works for you.

If you are struggling to cope there are many ways to get help and treatment. Contact your doctor if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Free and confidential resources are also available.

Mental Health Resources:

Contact your doctor
Call Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) toll-free at 800.854.7771
- Press option 1 for the Access Center to get screenings, assessments, referrals to a provider, crisis counseling, and other resources - available 24/7
- Press option 2 for an emotional support warm line with trained listeners - available 9 am - 9 pm daily
- Press option 3 for Veterans to connect with Veteran Programs - available 9 am - 9 pm daily
Click here for additional information and a list of local and national resources
If you are in crisis, call 911 for immediate help

Sources for further reading:
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking

Why is alcohol, drug abuse and smoking harmful to my health?

Research shows that excessive alcohol consumption disrupts immune pathways by impairing the body's ability to defend against infection, contributes to organ damage, impedes recovery from tissue injury, and slows wound healing. As alcohol passes through the gut (digestive track), it damages cells and alters the numbers of good microbiota, which can adversely affect the immune system. Alcohol intake has been linked to systemic inflammation, acute respiratory stress syndrome, viral infection, pulmonary disease, sepsis, alcohol liver disease, and certain cancers.

On the other hand, studies suggest that moderate consumption, may be beneficial to the immune system, with red wine leading the pack with possible "prebiotic" benefits for gut health and protection against heart disease. The CDC defines moderate alcohol consumption as 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men. It has issued guidelines for who should not drink any alcohol, which includes women who are pregnant, anyone under the legal drinking age, anyone recovering from an alcohol use disorder, and anyone with certain medical conditions or are taking medications that can interact with alcohol.

Evidence shows that chronic drug abuse has serious health consequences. It can harm or weaken the body, including the immune system, and may make it more vulnerable to infection. Certain types of substances, such as opioids and methamphetamines, may present greater risks for developing diseases and severe illnesses.

According to the CDC's Tobacco Fact Sheet, smoking cigarettes also can impair your body's ability to fight disease. It increases risks for disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and harms nearly every organ of the body. Diseases and conditions that can be worsened by smoking include viral infections, bacterial infections (pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis), periodontal or gum disease, bacterial meningitis, infections after surgery, Crohn's disease, and cancer.

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central
National Library of Medicine - PubMed Central

What are ways to treat alcohol and drug addiction, or kick a smoking habit?

The first step to treating an alcohol or drug addiction is to contact your doctor to talk about a treatment plan. Your doctor can refer you to a therapist, counselor, or treatment center that can help you. Another option is to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) for a free screening, resources, and referrals to services.

While you are recovering from an addiction, it is important to have friends, family, or group therapy to support your treatment goals. Shift your focus to taking care of your mind and body through exercise, balanced nutrition, and finding activities and stress prevention techniques that don't involve alcohol or drugs.

Substance Abuse Resources:

Contact your doctor
Call LACDPH Substance Abuse Service toll-free at 844.804.7500 or visit their website for additional information
If you are in crisis, call 911 for immediate help

A number of treatments are available that can help you stop smoking. These include counseling, medications, or smoking replacement therapies such as nicotine patches, gums, or prescription inhalers. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that is best for you. Other options are also available including free texting programs, mobile apps, and a quit-smoking hotline with trained coaches.

Stop Smoking Resources:

Contact your doctor
Call a free confidential Quit Smoking Coach in 5 languages toll-free at 800.784.8669 or visit the CDC website for additional information
Sign up for a free text program that give 24/7 encouragement, advice and tips
Get a free app for your smartphone with tailored tips, inspiration, and progress monitoring

Sources for further reading:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
LA County Public Health
WebMD