<b>Beaufort Memorial offers&nbsp;</b><b>Freedom from Smoking&nbsp;</b>

If you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking, now is the time to get back on track with the Freedom from Smoking program being offered by Beaufort Memorial LifeFit Wellness Services.

Developed by the American Lung Association and considered the “gold standard” in smoking cessation programs, Freedom from Smoking”offers participants the best chance at kicking the habit for good.&nbsp;

Classes will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays beginning March 13 in the Beaufort Medical and Administrative Center at 990 Ribaut Road, Beaufort (directly across the street from the main hospital campus).&nbsp;

"Freedom from Smoking takes place in a group setting and the individuals who participate in the program get to work together on their journey to being smoke-free,” said LifeFit Community Health Educator Alexa DeFeo. “We as facilitators are there for support and guidance so that everyone can set a quit date together and stick to it.”&nbsp;

During the course of the program, taught by a certified Freedom from Smoking instructor from the Beaufort County Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and LifeFit staff, participants will examine their own patterns of smoking, learn how to handle triggers and urges and receive training on stress management techniques that can help them get through the quitting process and life after cigarettes.&nbsp;

An extra support session will be offered shortly after “quit day” to help ensure class members don’t break down and light up.

In addition, participants will receive a “Freedom from Smoking” workbook, a relaxation CD and various helpful handouts.&nbsp;

The cost for the course is $30. Class size is limited, so reservations are required. To register, call 843-522-5570 or email adefeo@bmhsc.org.

<b>Fire department to offer&nbsp;</b><b>stroke awareness program&nbsp;</b>

The Burton Fire District is offering CPR training and stroke education classes to individuals, families and businesses.&nbsp;

General training classes cost $10 per student, and official CPR certification classes cost $25 per student.&nbsp; All classes cover infant, child and adult CPR, to include the use of Automated External Defibrillators.&nbsp;

“When someone suffers a heart attack or a stroke, there is a chain of survival for them,” said Burton Fire Lt. John Ireland who oversees the medical training for the district. “The chain ends in the hospital but it starts in the community with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers as that first link.” &nbsp;

Ireland said early recognition and intervention by the public are the keys.

Call the Burton Fire District at 843-255-8011 or email safetyed@burtonfd.org.&nbsp;

<b>DNA paternity office&nbsp;</b><b>opens in Beaufort&nbsp;</b>

A new Beaufort medical office, Coastal Paternity, at 30 Robert Smalls Parkway, was recently opened. The DNA specialists of Coastal Paternity offer court-admissible paternity DNA testing in a private office setting.&nbsp;

Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday though Thursday. Call 855-521-1DNA (1362) or visit CoastalPaternity.com.