Hey, Angelenos, wanna quit smoking? Here's some help -- free

Not that you're addicted or anything, but if you would prefer not to smoke -- and just need a little extra willpower, nicotine patches or nicotine gum are worth a shot. And here's your chance to get started with no outlay of cash other than gas money or bus fare.

Today, the L.A. County Department of Public Health, together with Ralphs and L.A. Care Health Plan, will give away free smoking-cessation products to county residents.

Learn more about the offer at laquits.com. There's even a map of participating Ralph's pharmacies.

But note: They've got 30,000 of these starter kits -- and the offer is good only "while supplies last."

For a look at the effectiveness of smoking-cessation products, and new ones in the pipeline, check out this recent L.A. Times article: "Ready to quit smoking? Breaking the habit is never easy, but research shows us what might help."

-- Tami Dennis

Photo: Should you be considering giving up that ineffable coolness that comes with smoking, not to mention the alluring aroma, perhaps now's the time to do something about it. Credit: Matthew Staver / Bloomberg News