New Year's Resolutions with the American Lung Association in Ohio

CINCINNATTI, OH (12/09/2015)(readMedia)-- New Year's Eve is around the corner, and losing a few pounds, getting back into shape and quitting smoking tops many people's resolutions. Don't go it alone! The American Lung Association in Ohio has all your bases covered this year.

If your goal this year is to shed that winter weight, kick that New Year's resolution into high gear with a climb up the Carew Tower! A unique endurance event, the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb is 45 flights up the Carew Tower on Sunday, February 21st – that's 804 steps! Winter workouts don't need to be mundane, and putting a milestone in sight can help you stick to your plan during the cold months.

Register now at www.climbthecarew.org, and start training to reach new heights! Registration is $35 per participant, or $25 early registration before December 31st. There is also a $100 fundraising minimum. Hundreds of supporters will be joining you and climbing for friends and loved ones who suffer from lung diseases, and to raise funds for clean air and lung disease research, education and advocacy.

Elite athletes are also invited to join the Vertical Mile challenge. Climb the Carew 10 times up and 10 times down, plus another 8 floors and 6 steps to complete a full vertical mile each way! Participants in this category can register by contacting Amy Ullman at amy.ullman@lung.org. Vertical Mile registration is $75, and a $500 fundraising minimunm.

If quitting smoking tops your list, or the list of a loved one, you're not alone. A recent survey found that an overwhelming majority of smokers and non-smokers alike agree: Quitting smoking is hard! According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 66% of adults in Ohio that smoke tried to quit in 2013. It can take several quit smoking attempts before someone becomes completely smokefree, but it's important to remember that every smoker can quit.

Only 4 to 7% of smokers who try to quit cold turkey are successful in remaining smokefree for up to one year. Every smoker can quit and the way to success includes creating a plan that fits the smoker's quit goals and unique lifestyle. Through the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® program, participants learn how to set a quit date, address smoking triggers and urges, and stay motivated throughout the duration of a quit attempt.

For more information about all of the Lung Association's quit smoking resources, visit the newly redesigned American Lung Association website at Lung.org/stop-smoking or call the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA to talk to a certified tobacco treatment specialist and find a local Freedom From Smoking program.

No matter your goal, the American Lung Association wishes all Ohioans a safe and healthy start to the New Year!