Page 34 - November 2023 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

• Be encouraging - even when pick up the groceries, or take
they are just thinking about care of the dishes. Alternatively,
quitting or cutting back, maybe if someone wants extra space,
you could say something like give them that.
Tips to Help a Friend or Family “It’s so great your thinking about • Plan non-smoking/non-vaping
Member Quit Smoking or Vaping quitting, have you thought about activities - consider activities
what you might want to do with
like knitting, bowling, going
By Heather Grove, BSN, RN the money you’d save?” or “I to a movie or volunteering at a
noticed you took a walk aft er
local animal shelter - it’s hard to
lunch today instead of going out smoke or think about smoking if
Cigarettes and most electronic to smoke - That’s awesome and

you’re being active or in a place
cigarettes or vapes contain nicotine. I’m so proud of you!” where it is not allowed.
Nicotine is very addictive. Even when
• Express care and avoid
someone knows the dangers, it can be • Off er resources - the Maryland
criticism - let them know
very hard to stop smoking or vaping Quitline is a free phone-based
you care but be careful not to
because nicotine actually rewires the criticize or nag. Nagging helps program that connects people
brain’s reward center. According to interested in quitting with a
nobody.

the American Lung Association, about trained quit coach. They can also
70% of people that smoke want to quit. • Be understanding about mood provide nicotine replacement
Sometimes people are hesitant to try swings - they are very likely medicine like patches and gum
to quit. They may have tried in the to happen in the fi rst several through the mail. Consider

past but fell back into their previous days to weeks when someone helping your loved one make
behavior and may lack confi dence that quits. Don’t take bad moods the call to 1800-QUIT-NOW or
they can be successful. or outbursts personally. Be explore their website, https://
prepared to extend a little extra quitnow.net/
Research shows that it can take 7-11 grace. • Avoid bars - often smoking is

quit attempts to quit for good. You
• Ask directly how you can help allowed in bars and it goes hand
may be wondering how you can help
- some people like extra support in hand with drinking for many
your mom, brother, or best friend quit
and distractions to keep busy, people. Suggest other places to
smoking or vaping. Quitting is a choice while others may want extra go such as to the movies or gym.
and having a good support system can
space or time alone to rest. Th is

make a big difference when your loved • Avoid smoking or vaping
could be a good time to do a
one is ready to try to quit. Here are a around them - if you smoke or
few nice favors - offer to babysit,

few things you can do: vape, even if you’re not ready to
quit, refrain from smoking or
vaping around someone who is
trying to quit.
DOT/CDL
• Be prepared for slips - it may
take several tries for someone to
quit for good, don’t get upset or
MEDICAL EXAMS
focus too much on any slips.
Complying with New
Government Requirements • Celebrate their success - each
day, week, month, etc. without
smoking or vaping is a big win!
FMCSA Certified Physician Do something to celebrate it!
Prompt C.E. Jensen, MD
Service Competitive
Price 410-924-8560
Evenings and Saturdays by appointment
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