The Health and Wellness Center is now offering tobacco quitting kits to students. Students who wish to quit using tobacco now have the opportunity to stop by the office and receive a grab bag.
The inspiration for these tobacco kits came from Erinn McWilliams, the Health and Wellness Educator on campus. “As a health educator I want to provide as many opportunities and resources to improve the overall health and wellness of our campus community as possible,” said McWilliams.
In preparation for the Great American Smokeout in November, the Health and Wellness office offers these kits to begin the movement. The Great American Smokeout, a national observance, challenges people to quit smoking for 24 hours.
The Health and Wellness office is also challenging Transylvania students to go above and beyond.
“We are in the process of planning an event to bring to campus and we plan to go into the community and pick up cigarette butts,” said McWilliams.
Additionally, these kits were developed to help the Transylvania community beyond the basic benefits of becoming tobacco free.
“I am hoping to provide educational and community resources to tobacco users to quit using, if that is something they choose to do,” said McWilliams. “I would love to decrease the use of tobacco on our campus, which will improve our surrounding environment, and, of course, the overall health of our campus community.”
Within the kits, there are educational resources that provide information on the harmful effects of tobacco as well as information on tobacco cessation. In addition to the educational resources, the provided gum and candy can be used to help distract the user from their nicotine addiction.
The office plans to add additional items into the grab bags as time goes on.“I would love to be able to provide free nicotine replacement therapy, eventually, such as patches, gum, and lozenges,” said McWilliams. “I think having access to these products would be extremely beneficial in helping tobacco users quit, if that is something they wish to do.”
Additionally, the office would like to create unique kits that help to educate and assist those students who are involved in dipping, e-cigarettes and/or vaping.
Tobacco quitting kits can be picked up at any time in the Health and Wellness office. If you are a student who wants to quit using the product, or for more information, stop by the office or contact Erinn McWilliams.
Source : http://transyrambler.com
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