For immediate release – November 17, 2009
Contact: Dan Branyon, 864-725-4134
dbranyon@selfregional.org
Self Regional encourages participation in Great American Smokeout
GREENWOOD--Free nicotine patches for visitors and staff as well as plenty of advice on good reasons to quit smoking will once again be part of Self Regional Healthcare’s observance of the Great American Smokeout next Thursday, November 19.
“The Great American Smokeout is a terrific way for smokers to prove to themselves they can quit for a day”, noted Lawrie Rinehart, Respiratory Therapist and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist at Self Regional Healthcare. “If you can quit for a day, you work toward a week, month or year. We hope smokers will give it a chance.”
Rinehart said Self Regional will be sharing information in its main lobby and in the hospital cafeteria throughout the day Thursday. The hospital and all of its satellite facilities have been tobacco free since Feb. 14, 2006 in a move aimed at inspiring all Lakeland’s area residents to follow good health practices.
“Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in our country,” she shared. “Annually there are 438,000 premature deaths from smoking. Also, 38,000 non-smokers die each year as a result of exposure to secondhand or environmental smoke. Recently reports have confirmed that bans on smoking in restaurants, bars and other gathering spots reduce the risk of heart attacks among non-smokers.”
“Greenwood is fortunate to have more than 25 tobacco free restaurants that provide a healthy environment for their patrons,” Rinehart continued. “In my job, I see the ill effects of tobacco on a daily basis, and people need to understand it’s never too late to stop.”
The third Thursday of each November is designated as The Great American Smokeout by the American Cancer Society, which points out more Americans attempt to quit smoking on this day than any other, including New Year’s Day.
“Smokers must first decide why they want to quit,” Rinehart said. “Is it to improve health? Maybe it’s to live long enough to see their grandchildren grow up. It could be they just want to save money.”
“Next they must make preparations for quitting,” she continued. “Set a date. The Great American Smokeout is an ideal day because they will have lots of company. Support from others around you certainly helps.”
Once a date is established, smokers need to decide on the method they will use to quit. Some depend on sheer willpower to quit cold-turkey. Some opt for nicotine patches, gum, inhalers or lozenges. Others use medications. Many of these methods can improve your success in quitting.
Naturally, smokers will be tempted to smoke once they quit. Rinehart said there are guidelines including staying away from other smokers, not drinking beverages you associate with the use of tobacco, getting rid of all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays and by making sure to stick with tobacco free restaurants.
“When you have a craving for a cigarette, remember the four D’s,” Rinehart said. “Drink plenty of water. Deep breathe in order to relax. Do something else, like walking or calling a friend. Delay before you and act and, eventually, the urge for a smoke will pass.”
Rinehart added that the public is welcome to stop by the hospital Thursday to learn how they can quit smoking and improve their health.