Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 20, 2026 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller Medicare Can Help Older Smokers Kick the Habit Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare off er any coverage that helps benefi ciaries quit smoking? New Benefi ciary Dear New, If you’re ready to quit smoking, Medicare can indeed help! Medicare Part B covers up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year to help you kick the habit, and if you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, certain smoking-cessation medications are covered as well. Here’s a guide to help you get started. It’s Never Too Late According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 8.3 percent of Americans age 65 and older still smoke. Many older smokers indicate that they would like to quit, but because of the nicotine, which is extremely addictive, it’s very diffi cult to do. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness, responsible for an estimated onefifth of deaths in the United States each year. But research shows that quitting, even after age 65, greatly reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and many other diseases. It also helps you breathe easier, smell, and taste better, and can save you money. An $8 pack-a-day smoker, for example, saves about $240 after one month without cigarettes, and nearly $2,880 after one year. How to Quit The first step you need to take is to set a “quit date,” but give yourself a few weeks to get ready. During that time, you may want to start by reducing the number or the strength of cigarettes you smoke to begin weaning yourself. Also check out over-thecounter nicotine replacement products – patches, gum and lozenges – to help curb your cravings (these are not covered by Medicare). And just prior to your quit day get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work, and try to clean up and even spray air freshener. The smell of smoke can be a powerful trigger. Get Help Studies have shown that you have a much better chance of quitting if you have help. So, tell your friends, family, and coworkers of your plan to quit. Others knowing can be a helpful reminder and motivator. Then get some counseling. Don’t go it alone. Start by contacting your doctor about smoking cessation counseling covered by Medicare and fi nd out about the prescription antismoking drugs (bupropion and varenicline) that can help reduce your nicotine craving. You can also get free one-onone telephone counseling and referrals to local smoking cessation programs through your state quit line at 800-QUIT-NOW or call the National Cancer Institute free smoking quit line at 877-44U-QUIT. It’s also important to identify and write down the times and situations you’re most likely to smoke and make a list of things you can do to replace it or distract yourself. Some helpful suggestions when the smoking urge arises are to call a friend or one of the free quit lines, keep your mouth occupied with some sugar-free gum, sunfl ower seeds, carrots, fruit or hard candy, go for a walk, read a magazine, listen to music or take a hot bath. The intense urge to smoke lasts about three to fi ve minutes, so do what you can to wait it out. It’s also wise to avoid drinking alcohol and steer clear of other smokers while you’re trying to quit. Both can trigger powerful urges to smoke. For more tips on managing your cravings, withdrawal symptoms and what to do if you relapse, visit 60plus.SmokeFree. gov. There are also a variety of helpful quit smoking apps you can download like EasyQuit, QuitNow and Quit Genius. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nr ior ~ Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events ~ March 23–28 Around Everett Books and Brews: The Well Coff ee House (983 Broadway), Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m. This month we will be reading “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Pick up a copy at the Parlin or Shute Memorial Libraries and we’ll see you at The Well Coff ee House to discuss the book. Parlin Adult and Teens Gaming Club: Parlin YA Room, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Join us for board games and video games at the library! Bring your own or play what we have here — for ages 12 and up. Yarn Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community — recommended for ages 14-109! Watch Anime! YA Room, Wednesdays at 3 p.m.; come by our new Watch Anime Club in the at the Parlin Library. Vote on and watch your favorite anime with your friends! Recommended for ages 11+. Murder Mystery Book Group: Connolly Center Meeting Room, Thursday, March 26, at 12 p.m. Discuss P.J. Nelson’s “Booked for Murder.” See Kathleen for copies on her twice monthly visits or call the Parlin (617-394-2300) or Shute (617394-2308) Libraries. Parlin Children’s Grab n Go Crafts: Stop by the Parlin Children’s Room every Monday for a Grab and Go craft, a self-directed arts and crafts program for children ages three to eight. Crafts can be taken home or crafted with a friend or caregiver at our children’s tables. No registration required, while supplies last. Lego Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Mondays from 3-5 p.m. Come to the Children’s Room after school on Mondays for some free Lego-building fun. Open to all ages; children under six years old must be accompanied by an adult; no registration required. Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Join us for a fun-fi lled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Creative Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Storytime Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe: Parlin Children’s Room, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m.; join Children’s Librarian Mrs. McAuliffe for our enchanting Story Time! You will be whisked away on magical adventures through the pages of your favorite books. Bring a friend or make a new one in our circle of friends. Origami Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, March 28, at 12 p.m. Learn how to fold paper animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. Shute Adult and Teens Ready Player One Games: Shute Meeting Room, March 25, at 2:30 p.m. Level up your Wednesdays with our ultimate gaming hangout! No registration required; recommended for ages 11 and up. Purr Therapy: Shute Study Room, Thursday, March 26, at 3 p.m. Gandalf is back from his winter break! Take a break during your busy day to have a quiet and peaceful moment with our beloved feline library visitor. This will be his last month visiting us; please stop by to see him one last time. Pipe Cleaner Flower Bouquets: Shute Meeting Room, March 26, at 7 p.m. Twist, shape and design your own colorful pipe cleaner fl ower bouquet at the library! This bouquet will last all year long. Open to ages 18+, registration is required. Reserve your spot today and let your creativity bloom! Shute Children’s Storytime at the Shute: Children’s Room, Mondays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 12 p.m. What’s better than a good story? Sharing it with friends! Join Miss Val at the Shute Library for Fairytale Fun! Master Builders: Lego Freeplay: Shute Children’s Room, Thursdays from 3-5 p.m.; freeplay session with Legos and other building blocks. Bring a buddy, or make a new one, as you explore your imagination brick by brick! We provide the space and the materials to let your vision take shape. What will you create?
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