Get Help Quitting Smoking
Attend a July 12 event to get tobacco cessation resources and prepare for the effective date of the University’s smoke-free policy
As the Health System celebrates its tobacco free anniversary and the University approaches the go-live date in 2020 for its smoke-free policy, Duke employees and students have access to free smoking cessation treatments.
At the Duke Farmers Market on July 12, staff from LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, will celebrate the Health System’s 12th anniversary of being tobacco-free. They will also provide information on how to access Duke resources to quit smoking.
LIVE FOR LIFE encourages community members who smoke or use tobacco to the visit the farmers market to get information on how to prepare for the effective date of the policy on July 1, 2020, when all property and grounds owned and leased by Duke University will become smoke-free.
“We’re here to support people who are thinking about or ready to quit,” said Sakinah Omar, a master’s level Tobacco Treatment Specialist at LIVE FOR LIFE and member of the Duke Smoking Cessation Program treatment team. “We’ll figure out what your challenges are and create an individualized plan. We’re in this together for the long haul.”
Part of the Healthy Duke campaign, the university’s policy prohibits the use of combustible tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and hookahs. In addition, Healthy Duke is supporting a campus-wide educational campaign to reduce e-cigarette use among students.
In preparation for the 2020 transition, Duke employees have access to multiple tobacco cessation options through LIVE FOR LIFE. The treatment pathways are available through collaboration with Duke Smoking Cessation Program, a comprehensive physician-led service that provides tobacco dependence treatment using medication and behavioral approaches, individual and group support, high-and low-tech materials. The cost of treatment to students and employees will be covered when accessed through Student Health or Employee Occupational Health & Wellness.
James Davis, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Director for the Duke Smoking Cessation Program, said employees interested in quitting smoking should call LIVE FOR LIFE at 919-684-3136 to set up an appointment with a provider.
“We not going to rush anyone into quitting,” he said. “Instead, we will work with you at your own pace. When you are really ready to quit, we will help you do it right, so you can stay quit for good.”
Michael Poole, 49, a systems programmer for Duke Anesthesiology, started smoking late in high school. By age 30, he smoked a pack and a half a day. By age 40, he tried stopping on his own using over-the-counter products, but they caused side effects.
Two years ago, Poole met with providers from LIVE FOR LIFE’s tobacco cessation program for help. At that time, he was prescribed medication that was appropriately tailored to his individually needs, and he did monthly check-ins with LIVE FOR LIFE. Poole said he was able to quit smoking and no longer needs smoking cessation medications.
“I would still be addicted to nicotine without LIVE FOR LIFE,” Poole said. “I have more energy. I can jog and lift more weights. My pulse is regular. I’m so much happier.”
The combination of counseling and medication can increase the odds of quitting smoking by 50 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Many people who smoke think that they should try to quit on their own,” Davis said. “In fact, it is far more successful to use methods we have available at Student and Employee Health – the meds work and the techniques work. Duke is giving its employees free and easy access to the best tobacco treatment services. We can help you.”
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