The adage that "quitters never win" doesn't apply to smokers, who almost universally know their habit is bad for them and that they should find a way to stop.

But, thinking about it and doing it are two different things. If you're a smoker who needs that extra nudge, here's one: Join a smoking cessation class being offered through NorthBay Healthcare. The classes are free, are ongoing and will be held at three locations.

One is being held from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, starting on Sept. 8 at the Vacaville Center for Primary Care, 421 Nut Tree Road. 

In addition, on the second Wednesday of every month, classes are from 1 to 2 p.m. starting on Sept. 9, at Green Valley Center for Primary Care, 4520 Business Center Drive.

On the third Friday of every month, the class runs from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Fairfield Center for Primary Care, 2458 Hilborn Road. This class begins August 21. 

"We help people get prepared to quit," says Annika Jensen, RN, Primary Care Health Coordinator for NorthBay Healthcare. "We discuss all the ways that they can succeed. We learn the various methods to quitting and which set of methods might work. We set a date for quitting, talk about what their triggers might be and set a plan to prepare for them in advance. We can also set up a reward system and encourage the support of family and friends." 

Participants will learn that within 12 hours of quitting, carbon monoxide levels in their blood return to normal, and that within two to three weeks of quitting the risk of having a heart attack drops and lung function improves, Annika adds.

For more information, call (707) 646-3397.