Center for Healthy Living offering individual, group coaching for tobacco cessation
July 16, 2015
Employees who are struggling or who have struggled with tobacco use can find assistance and support through an upcoming program. The Center for Healthy Living is offering another tobacco cessation wellness group program starting on July 22.
According to research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every time an individual smokes, he or she inhales 7,000 or more chemicals, including at least 69 that can cause cancer. Other harmful tobacco products that cause health issues include chewing tobacco, cigars and pipes.
Quitting smoking has immediate long-term health benefits including whiter teeth, lower disease risk, improved lung function and increased immune system. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no level of secondhand smoke is safe, so by quitting smoking, people also reduce the health risks and smoke exposure to those around them.
"Quitting tobacco use is not easy, but the Center for Healthy Living can support you along the way through individualized coaching or in a group program setting," says Jodi Briggs, registered nurse health coach. "Tobacco cessation aides are covered at 100 percent on Purdue health plans, and the coach can help you determine what over-the-counter or prescription tobacco cessation aide or aides may be best for you."
The group coaching program begins July 22 and runs through Aug. 26 on Wednesdays from noon to 12:50 p.m. at the center. Register for the group program by July 20 by calling 49-45239. Limited seats are available. Call the center at 49-40111 or schedule an appointment online at https://purduechl.goandbewell.com to set up individual coaching.
If completing individualized coaching or the group program for a tobacco premium waiver under a Purdue health plan, completion is due by Aug. 31 to qualify for waiver of the additional premium beginning on Oct. 1. Completing a tobacco cessation program can reduce premiums by up to $500 per year. For more information on the tobacco waiver, visit Purdue's Tobacco Cessation page.
The center is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For assistance after hours or on weekends, contact the Anthem nurse line at 888-279-5449.
