Send Your Habit Up In Smoke

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 46 million Americans have quit smoking for good. However, additional studies indicate a significant number of smokers are still working to kick their habit.

So, one may ask, “what’s stopping them?” The serious risks involved with smoking cigarettes are well known by both smokers and non-smokers alike. Cigarettes increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as various types of cancer. Many smokers are tired of hearing why they should quit and simply want to know “how.”

In February 2007, Brian, a Technical Services Specialist at the Murfreesboro Operations Center, realized, “It was a habit I had to break.” Smoking cigarettes is certainly an addictive habit, but with continuous motivation and a bit of additional assistance, being “smoke free” can become an attainable goal.

Brian started smoking cigarettes when he was 18 years old, and continued to do so for 30 years. He had never seriously considered quitting, but with persistent encouragement from his family and the success his friends experienced quitting, Brian found the motivation he needed to break his long-standing habit.

“I tried quitting a few times before using different methods. First, I tried the gum which didn’t work for me. I bought the patch but didn’t use it. I also tried the lollipops, but they were only useful for a couple weeks. My wife kept talking about a tobacco cessation medication called Chantix that our friend had used, so I did my research on it.”

Brian obtained a prescription for Chantix from his doctor. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco cessation medications decrease the satisfaction that smoking causes and reduces chances for withdrawal. While these drugs are beneficial, patients must set goals for themselves, such as choosing a solid quit date. Brian missed three of his desired dates, but with continued support from his family, friends and co-workers, he would eventually make it.  After just six weeks, Brian was able to slowly gain control of his urges without the use of any further medication.

Reflecting on his experience, Brian can finally see some of the changes that have resulted from his decision. “Physically, I can feel the change in my breathing. I am not wheezing any more,” Brian admitted. Also noting that, if he had any say, his kids would not follow in their father’s footsteps when it came to smoking.

There are many people who try repeatedly to quit smoking, but can’t seem to find success. Don’t give up! Useful methods do exist.  Sometimes trying multiple methods is a necessary step along the path to quitting. With the many different options offered by State Farm’s Tobacco Cessation program, employees have a great opportunity to become “smoke free.”

Tips For Quitting

• Set a solid quit date, choose a program, and stick to your plan
• Try to avoid situations where you know smoking is prevalent
• Surround yourself with a solid support system of family, friends and co-workers
• Use the American Cancer Society Quitline® resources
• Find new hobbies or activities to occupy your free time and avoid urges
• Calculate the economic cost smoking has on your life

For additional tips, visit the American Cancer Society site.

State Farm now partners with the American Cancer Society’s Quitline program to offer its own tobacco cessation benefit. The Quitline offers, free of charge to State Farm retirees, the opportunity to quit smoking. The program provides trained counselors to assist employees in overcoming the burden of smoking cigarettes. In addition to counseling, State Farm retirees can also be prescribed a medication (Bupropion, Chantix, Zyban), gum or even patches. You and your personal physician can determine which method is right for you. You can visit the American Cancer Society Quitline site to get enrolled, or call 1-866-979-QUIT.

To help you “kick the habit,” State Farm’s Live Well, Be Well initiative is pleased to provide the American Cancer Society's tobacco cessation Quitline® program.We’ve made it easy for individuals who are ready to quit tobacco and take the step to a healthier lifestyle.

• Visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.fightcancer.org.
• Or, simply call the ACS Quitline at 1-866-979-QUIT (7848).
• Please contact the HRSC for more information.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Quitline is a one-to-one counseling service clinically proven to double a smoker’s chance of quitting. The Quitline is staffed with counselors trained to mentor and coach participants in setting their quit dates, handling cravings, managing setbacks, and celebrating successes along the way.

Click here to learn more about the Tobacco Cessation Benefit.

Tobacco isn't just bad for your health. It can hurt your pocketbook, too. Calculate how much you smoke and how expensive your habit is.

Use this calculator from the American Cancer Society to see how much cigarettes are costing you.