January 2009

From Health Team 12 and University Hospital, we continue with our series on smoking this month. People who smoke generally do it because it gives them pleasure, but cessation classes can help break that.

University Hospital offers a free program called "Fresh Start", sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
It's a four week program that helps smokers identify their reason for smoking then helps replace it with different things like drinking water or a snack.

You can also get information on nicotine replacement therapy, like patches, gum and lozenges that you can get over the counter. And also inhalers and sprays are available through prescriptions. Kicking the habit can also help state employees save on their insurance policies.

Peggy Evans, R.N. says it also saves on health insurance. A lot of employees now want to reduce their cost. Some health plans offer them a reduced rate if they are successful in quitting smoking.

If you're interested in the Fresh Start program check out wwwuniversityhealth.org and there you'll find class schedules and a phone number.