Getting Help To Quit Smoking

Stop for no smoking terror

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Quitting smoking can be difficult – all the motivations are there, the health benefits, smelling nicer, the financial saving, but for some people, willpower alone just isn’t enough. For some people using tobacco patches or chewing gum might help, but others still find quitting extremely difficult, and possibly even impossible.

Seeking help can be the answer, however. Many people find addictions extremely hard to fight on their own, and having someone to offer support and help makes all the difference. First, consider whether you will tell any friends or family. Those who will provide this support and assistance will be beneficial, but if you think they might be judgemental or make it harder, keep your plan to yourself.

Join an online quitting scheme. The NHS runs a program designed by smokers which offers support at those critical moments – you can get emails, texts, phone calls and letters to spur you on, and stop you giving in to temptation. They also run local stop smoking schemes, which allow you to meet others trying to stop smoking, and discuss what is working for you – or talk about something completely different, and distract yourself.

See your doctor. You may be able to get subsidized treatments such as chewing gum or patches to help you with the initial cravings, or to stop withdrawal symptoms. You might be an ideal candidate for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which is better for you then smoking, or nasal spray, which delivers the nicotine your body needs without you needing to smoke.

Finally, print off some information about why you should quit and use it to motivate you when you are really craving a cigarette – the benefits of smoking really are worth the effort!

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Smoke-Free Workplaces

Ban on Smoking

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Massachusetts Breathes Easy as Smoke-Free Workplace Bill is Signed into Law

Workers across the Commonwealth started breathing easy on July 5th, when workplaces across the state became smoke-free. On June 18th, before a crowd of cheering advocates, legislators, and youth, Governor Mitt Romney signed landmark legislation at the State House that ensures that all workers, including those in bars and restaurants, can earn their living without having to breathe in deadly carcinogens as part of their job.

“This historic legislation levels the playing field for workers across the state,” said Dr. Carole Allen, Chair of Tobacco Free Mass. “Employees will no longer be required to breathe dangerous toxins and known carcinogens while at work. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Romney for clearing the air.”

More than 200 people attended the event, along with several legislators including the bill’s sponsors, Representative Rachel Kaprielian and Senator Susan Fargo, and Health Care Committee Chairs Senator Richard Moore and Representative Peter Koutoujian.

One hundred three communities, encompassing nearly 32 percent of the state’s population, already enjoy local smoke-free regulations. By enacting this statewide law, Massachusetts becomes the sixth state to go smoke-free, joining California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, and New York in setting the national trend for healthy workplaces.

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