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Steven Noble
Editor, Internal Publications
p. 403.440.5692
e-mail: snoble@mtroyal.ca

Fred Cheney
Media Relations Officer
p. 403.440.5195
e-mail: fcheney@mtroyal.ca

 

It’s that time again; everyone is ringing in the new year with resolutions to follow. One of the most popular resolutions that's at the top of many people's list each year is kicking "the habit."

Unfortunately, these resolutions often focus on improvements you want to see in yourself and bring added pressure to our lives.

This year however, the EnCana Wellness Centre at Mount Royal University is helping smokers create a “pressure free” resolution to quit smoking through the program —Tobacco Free at MRU.

If it takes you multiple times to quit smoking, don't let that discourage you. It's normal.

The program helps those individuals struggling with addiction to tobacco find a successful way to quit, and there are huge health incentives for quitting — in just eight hours after quitting, the oxygen levels in your blood increase to normal.

In 15 years your risk of death is equivalent to that of a person who has never smoked.

“Helping people quit smoking creates so many positive changes for them,” says Shermin Murji, health education coordinator at the EnCana Wellness Centre.

“Quitting is the number one thing you can do for your health. At the EnCana Wellness Centre there is so much support for people to quit and it is all available right on campus.”

Tobacco Free at MRU focuses on four main objectives for a healthier life — protection, prevention, cessation and education.

All together, they create a campus that limits second hand smoke, develops programs to prevent people from using tobacco, supports and helps people quit smoking and educates people to advocate for tobacco reduction.

“Many people become overwhelmed with quitting so we’re here to identify clients’ needs,” says Jennifer Hogan, tobacco reduction educator at the EnCana Wellness Centre.

“This could range from wanting to quit, reducing the amount they smoke or just becoming educated. We help with the entire process.”

Hogan understands smoking is an addiction and Tobacco Free at MRU makes it as easy and as seamless as possible to quit. In addition to helping those struggling with smoking, the Centre’s doors are also open to those who are concerned for family members and friends who smoke.

Hogan has guided many people through the steps when quitting smoking. One client started smoking when he was 12 years old. Hogan remembers him because of the excitement she felt when he informed her he quit for good.

“He was tired all the time and was really struggling health wise. Now that he has quit, he feels like he can do anything.”

The EnCana Wellness Centre understands that each person is dealing with a unique situation. Clients who come in for help are given individualized programs to meet their needs.

Techniques to replace the behavior of smoking range from money jars to brushing your teeth. Whichever way works for you, the Centre is there to help recognize that.

Hogan describes smoking as a two-fold process.

On one hand you have the behavioural side of things, which is the action you become used to. The other is the actual nicotine addiction your body depends on.

Seeking help from the Centre provides you with the services to deal with both through one-on-one therapy and access to doctors available at the University.

“If you’re ready to make an honest attempt, the Cessation Program provides all the resources to have optimal success,” says Hogan.

Even if you’re feeling overwhelmed about quitting, Murji says, “Don’t give up. We know it’s difficult and want to encourage people to use our resources. We’re here for their success.”

National Non-Smoking Week is Jan. 18 to Jan. 22, and people from Tobacco Free at MRU will be on Main Street all week to answer your questions and provide information on the program.

Or you can contact Jennifer Hogan at 5619 for more information on Tobacco Free at MRU.

— Angela Sengaus Jan. 14, 2010