Tobacco cessation assistance provided by Center for Healthy Living

The Center for Healthy Living on Purdue's West Lafayette campus is again offering a tobacco cessation wellness group program, this time starting on July 20. In addition, online portal options and individual coaching are available continuously throughout the year.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research reports that smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

"Being able to quit using tobacco in any form is not easy," says Debra Crume-Nagel, certified health and wellness coach at the center. "Our programs can assist and support employees who are struggling or who have struggled with tobacco use. The health coaches work side by side with the participants to help them understand everything that comes with quitting tobacco use, such as overcoming cravings, coping with stress, managing weight and more."

The health coach also can help participants determine what over-the-counter or prescription tobacco cessation aid or aids might be best for them. Tobacco cessation aids are covered at 100 percent on Purdue health plans.

The group coaching program begins July 20 and runs through Aug. 24 on Wednesdays from noon to 12:50 p.m. at the center. Register for the group program by July 15 by calling 494-5239. Limited seats are available. Call the center at 494-0111 or schedule an appointment via the patient portal to set up individual coaching.

If a participant is completing individualized coaching or the group program for a tobacco premium waiver, 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. More information on the tobacco waiver is provided on the Tobacco-User Additional Premium: Questions and Answers web page.

Center for Healthy Living workshops are for benefits-eligible faculty and staff and for spouses/same-sex domestic partners covered on a Purdue medical plan. Employees on Purdue's regional campuses can participate via the portal option. Those using the portal programs are paired with a certified health and wellness coach and may expect an initial telephonic visit with continuous support throughout the duration of the program.

For added convenience, the center is open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical consultation after hours or on weekends, contact the Anthem NurseLine at 888-279-5449 for assistance.