2008 Woodie Awards
'Kick Butts Day' celebrated across nation
Justine DiEmedio
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Features
April 2, 2008 is known as National Kick Butts Day. Smokers are encouraged to use this day as a starting point for their plan to quit. People who do not use tobacco can celebrate their healthful choice and learn how to support others who decide to become tobacco-free. A new study has found that most college students who smoke plan to quit before graduation. The West Chester University Health and Wellness Center is committed to helping those students achieve their goal.
The Health and Wellness Center understands that quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for one's health and for his or her loved ones. Students who quit smoking say they have more money, smell better and get sick less often. Students have also said that they feel that they have more dating options with people who will only date non-smokers.
With prolonged use, smoking can cause many health related problems. Cigarette use has been linked to lung and mouth cancers, heart disease, emphysema, asthma, stroke and heart attacks in people who smoke. Although many negative impacts seem far off in the future, college students should be aware of two specific problems that can occur among the college age group. Women who take hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill, patch or ring, and smoke have an increased risk for high blood pressure or stroke. Men have experienced decrease in sexual performance related to smoking.
Nonsmokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke can also suffer negative health effects. Smokers can protect everyone on campus by smoking far away from building entrances and windows and using cigarette butt receptacles.
Deciding to stop smoking takes hard work, strong support and a willingness to forgive one's self for setbacks. It also takes a plan, preferably written, that is thought out in stages. It is important for those who want to quit, and those helping a friend to quit, to remember a few tips to quit smoking.
First, think about the reasons to quit and write them down. Then, tell friends and family about the decision to quit, and ask for support, specifically on the "quit day." Next, make a list of triggers: the people, places and feelings that make you want to smoke.
The Health and Wellness Center understands that quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for one's health and for his or her loved ones. Students who quit smoking say they have more money, smell better and get sick less often. Students have also said that they feel that they have more dating options with people who will only date non-smokers.
With prolonged use, smoking can cause many health related problems. Cigarette use has been linked to lung and mouth cancers, heart disease, emphysema, asthma, stroke and heart attacks in people who smoke. Although many negative impacts seem far off in the future, college students should be aware of two specific problems that can occur among the college age group. Women who take hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill, patch or ring, and smoke have an increased risk for high blood pressure or stroke. Men have experienced decrease in sexual performance related to smoking.
Nonsmokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke can also suffer negative health effects. Smokers can protect everyone on campus by smoking far away from building entrances and windows and using cigarette butt receptacles.
Deciding to stop smoking takes hard work, strong support and a willingness to forgive one's self for setbacks. It also takes a plan, preferably written, that is thought out in stages. It is important for those who want to quit, and those helping a friend to quit, to remember a few tips to quit smoking.
First, think about the reasons to quit and write them down. Then, tell friends and family about the decision to quit, and ask for support, specifically on the "quit day." Next, make a list of triggers: the people, places and feelings that make you want to smoke.
RSS Feed
Be the first to comment on this story