Texas Children’s offers tools to help employees quit smoking

November 18, 2014

111914smoking640

If you have been thinking about quitting smoking or using nicotine, you are not alone.

Texas Children’s is here to support your efforts to quit, especially in light of the Great American Smokeout, an annual event that occurs the third Thursday of November and challenges smokers across the nation to make a plan to stop smoking.

Tobacco consumption remains the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the Unites States, and it is estimated that about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, which is almost one in every five adults.

Secondhand and thirdhand smoke also present health risks to those who smoke and to those around them. Research shows that secondhand smoke can seep into hair, clothing, dust, and other surfaces, and that it creates thirdhand smoke or particles that are left on surfaces after the visible smoke is gone. These particles can become airborne and can be picked up by people – especially babies and small children – who touch the surfaces and get the particles on their hands and bodies.

The best way to prevent all such risks is to stop smoking, a step the Acting U.S. Surgeon General Boris Lushniak said is the “single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.”

Here at Texas Children’s, we value your total well-being and are committed to providing education and resources that optimize your health and wellness. That’s why employees covered under the Texas Children’s medical plan can receive free tobacco cessation medications and over-the-counter treatments. As of September 1, these tools are covered at 100 percent for Texas Children medical plan participants with a prescription.

Before you go out and get these medications and treatments, however, it’s best to set a date for when you want to quit smoking and devise a plan on how to do it. Here are some tips on how you can kick the habit:

  1. Set a Quit Date
    First things first – pick your quit date. By having a day you’re working toward, you’ll be able to prepare mentally and physically to quit smoking. Avoid choosing a day where you know you will be busy, stressed, or tempted to smoke.
  2. Tell Family and Friends You Plan to Quit
    Quitting smoking is easier when the people in your life support you. Let them know you are planning to quit and ask for their support in staying accountable.
  3. Anticipate and Plan for Challenges While Quitting
    Quitting smoking is hardest during the first few weeks. You will deal with uncomfortable feelings, temptations to smoke, withdrawal symptoms, and cigarette cravings. Just remember that they are temporary, no matter how powerful they feel at the time.
  4. Remove Cigarettes and Other Tobacco from Your Home‚ Car‚ and Work
    Don’t be tempted to smoke during your quit. Stay strong. You can do it! Removing cigarettes and things that remind you of smoking will get you ready to stop.
  5. Talk to Your Medical Provider about Quit Options
    It is difficult to quit smoking on your own, but quitting “cold turkey” is not your only choice. Smoking cessation medications can dramatically increase your likelihood of successfully quitting. Texas Children’s medical plans covers prescription medication and over-the-counter treatments at 100 percent with a prescription.

Your well-being contributes to making Texas Children’s the best possible place to work and receive care. Good luck and thank you for continuing to optimize your health and wellness.

For more information or additional guidance, please call the Employee Medical Clinic at Ext. 4-2150 or visit the Wellness Website on Connect.