The City of Pelham is stepping up for the health of residents by partnering with local company Smokenders Online to offer smoking cessation classes for city residents and employees who wish to quit smoking.

The city is even working to make the classes as convenient as possible by offering them both online and in person.

Anyone who is interested should make plans to attend one of the free introductory sessions June 14 at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. If you choose to enroll in the class, it costs $50. However, $30 of that is refunded upon completing the course.

The seven-week course will begin on June 21 at Pelham City Hall. Classes will be at 7 p.m.

We’re encouraged to see the city of Pelham working to make a difference in the lives of its residents by offering these classes.

Smokenders courses are taught by ex-smokers who managed to quit smoking after taking the Smokenders classes, which makes them perfect teachers and candidates to help others quit. Course teachers know exactly what participants are going through and will be understanding and compassionate.

The course will also help participants understand possible psychological triggers for smoking, such as stress, alcohol, food and caffeine.

Anyone who stops smoking immediately reduces the risk factor for health problems such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, strokes and others. Also, those who stop smoking also help preserve the good health of those around them. Secondhand smoke can cause health problems for those who don’t smoke.

The course is part of the Smoke Free Alabama program. For more information, visit Quitsmokingpelham.org. We hope smokers across Pelham who are ready to trash the habit will make plans to attend the course. After all, your health is priceless. Paying $20 for better health is a bargain.

The We Say is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.