City Giving Away Nicotine Gum to Help Light Smokers Kick the Habit

For those who only smoke "a little bit," the New York City Health Department wants you to know it's still deadly. And since the new year is a time for resolutions, they want to help you kick the habit.

The Health Department will offer nicotine gum to eligible smokers who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day to help them quit through 311 and online (search nycquits on nyc.gov).

According to the city, light smokers make up 34% of all New York City’s daily smokers. Studies show that, like heavier smokers, light smokers are at an increased risk of smoking-related death and disease, such as heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and some cancers. Adults who smoke even one to four cigarettes per day have nearly three times the risk for heart disease than that of a non-smoker.

Heavier smokers who are interested in nicotine replacement therapy can still call 311 or 1-866-NYQUITS year-round for help with quitting.