Health Associates, LLC - EAP Counseling

- Programs
- Training
- Confidentiality
- EAP Eligibility
- EAP Counseling
- EAP Contact
- Manager Login

SMOKING

Smoking is good for no one, neither the smoker or those nearby and most of us are aware of the threats to our health. Television announcements, newspaper articles, billboards, even cigarette packages remind us that cigarette smoking is dangerous.

Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and heart disease. Smokers die of strokes three times as often as nonsmokers; in pregnant women, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, lower birth weight, raises the chances of complications at delivery and the likelihood of health problems during infancy. Each year 340,000 American die prematurely from the effects of smoking.

Why Smoke?

We smoke mostly because it makes us feel better. Many smokers gain real pleasure, while some smoke to reduce negative feelings in times of stress or discomfort. Others smoke out of habit, not really enjoying it. Many are psychologically addicted. Their craving for another cigarette begins soon after they put one out.

Nicotine is a powerful stimulant to the central nervous system. Inhaling tobacco smoke produces an immediate concentrated dose of nicotine that increases blood pressure and heart rate. Many smokers feel it helps wake them up, give them energy and keeps them going.

Nicotine, like marijuana, hashish and opium is a psychoactive drug; it provides a kick that affects one’s mood. Nicotine is addictive and the longer one smokes, the more deadly the habit and the more difficult it is to quit.

Why do we begin?

An estimated one million teenagers start smoking each year. Peer pressure encourages many to experiment, but among teenagers who become addicted, most have one or more parents who smoke.

A common motive is to appear “grown up” – to imitate friends, elders and the glamorous images they see in advertising, movies and on television. Sophisticated movie characters make smoking seem suave and fashionable. The images of cool lakes and streams, snow capped mountains and a rugged cowboy beside his campfire make smoking seem healthy, masculine and pleasurable. The female market is exploited by persuasive advertisements. They are dominated by themes of social desirability and independence, which are conveyed by advertisements featuring slim, attractive, and athletic models.

The benefits of not smoking

When you quit smoking, you reduce your health risks. Eventually your chance of contracting cancer or suffering other damage reaches the same level as nonsmokers. You soon begin to feel and look better, your cough and sinus congestion disappear and you have more energy. The unpleasant odor that clings to your clothes and hair goes away.

If you have children, they will be less likely to imitate you and develop the habit. Food will taste better, your sense of smell will improve and you will save money. Above all, quitting smoking will boost your self-confidence while adding years to your life expectancy.

Quitting smoking

Quitting is not a deprivation, but an advantage. In spite of the billions of dollars spent glamorizing cigarettes, the truth is smoking is tied close to disease than the good life.

No single method works for everyone, but choosing not to smoke is the first step. When you decide that quitting is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family, you have first real incentive. Once you want to quit more than you want to smoke, you’ll find a way that works best for you.

More than 34 million smokers have quit and the number is growing. Some are able to do it easily and many stop several times before finally winning. Some quit without help, while others go to special classes and take advantage of the many free programs available to help deal with the stress of physical and psychological withdrawal from nicotine. It is possible to quit on your own, but if you feel you will need help, there are many agencies with excellent programs to give you guidance.

Your EAP counselor can help you find a program near you to provide assistance. If you need help, call your Employee Assistance Program today. There is someone to help you.

Remember your Employee Assistance Program is:
• Confidential: All information is kept strictly between you and your counselor
• Informal: A simple phone call starts the process and there’s no red tape.

For assistance call Hidalgo Health Associates at:
800-448-4470