2011 Corporate-Based Tobacco Control

View our 2011 flyer for corporate tobacco control  

AREUFIT Health Services, Inc is now offering Smoking Cessation classes to Chester County Businesses.  AREUFIT’s Health Educators are certified to facilitate the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking* program.  Call AREUFIT at 610-993-9123 for more information. 

*The Freedom From Smoking program is an approved tobacco cessation program through Independence Blue Cross and other insurance providers.  Participants in this program could be eligible for reimbursement.  Contact your insurance carrier for more details. 

 Freedom From Smoking® provides a supportive and structured approach to quitting smoking. Based on the latest research on addiction and behavior change, this medically sound program addresses the difficulties of quitting with a sensitive, encouraging style. The ultimate goal is to help individuals overcome their addiction and enjoy the benefits of better health.  Delivered in a small group setting (up to 16 people), participants get personalized attention and the support of their peers, which they would not get trying to quit on their own. And since no single cessation technique works for everyone, the program includes a variety of evidence-based cessation practices. To meet the needs of different learning styles, each session includes lectures, group discussions and skills practice. 

The program is delivered over the course of eight sessions.  During these sessions, participants are introduced to the following key stages: 

• Preparation phase: laying the foundation for success
• Quit day: affirming the decision to quit
• Maintenance phase: providing skills and support to stay smoke free

American Lung Association, Freedom From Smoking Brochure.  Available at http://www.lungusa.org/assets/documents/program-pdfs/freedom-from-smoking.pdf 

Why quit using a support group? 

Smokers are more than 30% more successful with the help of a support group according to the US Public Health Service.  In addition to Nicotine replacement therapy aiding in the physical aspects of quitting, a group setting helps deal with the mental and social aspects of cessation.  The coping skills and the group’s collective wisdom and emotional support are critical for success. 

 Why quit at work? 

Employees of small businesses were 34% more likely to quit if a coworker did according to the New England Journal of Medicine. Quitting takes more than willpower, it takes help, motivation and behavior change! 

Due to the Smoke Free Pennsylvania Act, many area companies are now going completely smoke-free.  These companies don’t strictly forbid their employees to smoke on company premises, they aid them in quitting.