The city of New York wants you to quit smoking. Surprising, we know, what with the constantly rising cigarette taxes and smoking bans. But, and this is to the city's credit, bans and taxes aren't the only anti-smoking tools in the city's utility belt. Every year they also give away free anti-smoking aids like nicotine gum and the patch. This year's NYC Quits program starts today.
And we can tell you—having signed up and received our patches and gum the past three years (and after having quit for a few weeks fallen right back off the wagon each time)—that the entire process is quick, easy and painless. Just click here and fill out the few page questionnaire and in a few days you'll receive a box with nicotine gum or patches depending on how much you tell them you smoke. If you have a habit like ours, you might even get both. Just think of the money you'll save! With the $12-per-pack you'll be saving each day you could—and sorry if this is too crazy for you—join a gym?
Anyway, there is one thing we should warn you about the city's program. The Health Department has to check to find out if you actually used the patches and/or gum they send you, so expect one (and just one) random phone call in a few months asking if you've quit. But like signing up, it only takes a few seconds. And considering how much a box of patches can cost you—like, a week worth of smokes!—it seems a fair trade to us.
Or you could always start growing your own tobacco...
