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Spring Survey Results 2012

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Quit Smoking

PROGRAM DETAILS:

If you ask any doctor what the worst thing is for your health, the response will probably be smoking. If you are currently a smoker, you know you should quit. The Northwestern Memorial Wellness Institute offers a comprehensive, highly successful smoking cessation program led by Carol Southard, R.N., M.S.N. Ms. Southard joins Andrew on this ihealth program sponsored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital to discuss strategies and lifestyle changes that will help you quit. Under Ms. Southard’s direction and care, 46 to 53 percent of patients are still smoke-free one year after attending the program, which is four times higher than the national average.

Ms. Southard begins by talking about the program at Northwestern and how it differs from other programs. She then takes us through the reasons people fail when attempting to quit. Ms. Southard stresses the importance of developing a step-by-step plan to quit and how to apply behavioral approaches such as relaxation methods, assertiveness skills, lifestyle change awareness and social situation preparation.

Ms. Southard also goes into detail about the various stop-smoking aids available. She explains how each one works, how quickly the nicotine is delivered and how each product works differently for everyone. Prescription medications such as Chantix and Zyban are also part of the conversation. Ms. Southard helps to dispel myths about weight gain, stressing that those who exercise when quitting have a higher success rate.

Success in smoking cessation is certainly achievable, but you must first make the decision to quit. A tagline often used by Ms. Southard is “learn how even if you don't want to.” If you are considering quitting smoking -- and you should – this program can be a useful resource in helping you kick the habit.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Carol Southard, R.N., M.S.N. Carol Southard, R.N., M.S.N.
Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Carol Southard is a tobacco treatment specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction LISTEN
  2. Why People Fail LISTEN
  3. Why Carol's Program is Different LISTEN
  4. Developing a Plan LISTEN
  5. Stop-Smoking Aids LISTEN
  6. Alternative Methods LISTEN
  7. Weight Gain LISTEN
  8. Achieving Success LISTEN

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