New Sponsorship to Quit Program Helps Smokers Break the Habit in 2014

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare and Walgreens have teamed up to launch Sponsorship to Quit, a free online quit-smoking program through Walgreens that smokers can personalize with customized tools and tips during their journey to quit. After completing an online consultation, a smoker can access tools that help track successes and slip ups, earn badges, celebrate milestones and access expert information and tips 24/7. Smokers receive a tailored quit plan that offers help in selecting the right nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and a form and strength that best matches their needs, like nicotine gum, lozenges or patches. Smokers can sign-up to receive a free quit kit upon registration, a quit journal and an official quitter card, a physical reminder of smokers' commitment to quit.

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Each January, people pledge to make healthy lifestyle choices in the New Year, and for many it means making a commitment to quit smoking. While many smokers choose to quit with the goal of becoming healthier, a lesser-known outcome of quitting smoking is that it can also make people happier.[1] One study shows that seventy percent of ex-smokers say they are happier after quitting than when they smoked.[1] 

To help encourage a healthier lifestyle, Sponsorship to Quit is asking America to take to social media and share their top reason for quitting smoking in 2014, using the hashtag #STQuit. Walgreens and GSK will reveal the top 10 responses in February. The No. 1 "quitspiration" will inspire a $10,000 donation to a related Walgreens and GSK-selected charity.

"People are frequently reminded of the benefits related to quitting smoking, but adopting healthier habits can be challenging. Highlighting the positive and happy moments that can result from quitting could be that extra motivation needed to pursue a smoke-free lifestyle," said Robert Tompkins, group vice president and general merchandising manager for health and wellness at Walgreens. "We hope #STQuit inspires people to make a difference in their lives, and Sponsorship to Quit encourages results with a tailored plan that provides support and motivation throughout the quit journey."

For more information about Sponsorship to Quit and to download a free quit kit visit www.sponsorshiptoquit.com.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its well-known brands include Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ, the leading smoking cessation products;  alli, the only FDA-OTC weight loss aid; as well as medicine cabinet staples, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, Tums®, and Breathe Right®, all of which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit GSK.com.

About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2013 sales of $72 billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) vision is to be the first choice in health and daily living for everyone in America, and beyond. Each day, Walgreens provides more than 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company operates 8,197 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 750 locations throughout the country.

[1] West, Robert. "Does stopping smoking make any difference to happiness?" University College London. Dec. 2006.

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SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare