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Baltimore Washington Medical Center To Become Smoke-Free

Logo: Put it Out: it's good for your health

On April 30, 2007, Baltimore Washington Medical Center became smoke-free. BWMC is proud to join a growing number of health care facilitates in promoting good health.

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. As a health care provider, we are committed to creating a smoke-free environment both inside and out.

The American Lung Association recommends the following tips to quit smoking:

  1. Get rid of all your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays. Wet down cigarettes so you won't dig them out of the trash.
  2. Change your daily routine so you won't want to smoke from habit.
  3. When craving cigarettes, remember the 4 D's: Drink water, Delay, Deep Breathe, Do something else.
  4. Carry gum, hard candy or toothpicks to keep your mouth busy.
  5. Tell people you've quit; most people will support you.
  6. Don't worry about feeling sleepy, grouchy or dizzy.
    These symptoms will pass.
  7. Remind yourself why you're quitting.
  8. Eat regular meals. Sometimes people feel like smoking when they are really hungry.
  9. Tell yourself you are a nonsmoker now.
  10. Reward yourself for going days or weeks without smoking.

Quit Smoking Web & Telephone Resources

If you are interested in quitting smoking, please read below and contact our outreach and education line at 410-553-8129.

National Quit Smoking Support Line
1-800-QUIT-NOW 

American Cancer Society's Quit Smoking Support Line
1-800-ACS-2345

How To Quit Guide

  1. Set a Quit Date
    • Get rid of ALL tobacco and tobacco related products in your home, car and place of work (lighters, ashtrays, etc).
    • Don't let others smoke in your house.
    • If you have quit in the past evaluate what has and has not worked.
    • Once you quit, don't ever use tobacco again – EVER!

  2. Get support
    • From family, friends and co-workers.  This means asking them not to use tobacco around you.
    • Talk to your health care provider.
    • The more counseling you get the better your chance of quitting.  There are individual, group and telephone counseling.  Free telephone hot-line are available.

  3. Learn new skills and behaviors
    • Try to distract yourself – go for a walk or get busy with a task.
    • Change your routine – eating something different for breakfast, go into work earlier, change your car routes.
    • Find positive things that reduce your stress.  Get a pet, exercise or read a book.
    • Drink plenty of water.

  4. Get medication and use it correctly
    • These medications will increase your chances of quitting.
    • Ask your health care provider for advice.         
    • Read the information/directions on the package.

  5. Prepare yourself for relapses and difficult situations
    • Alcohol reduces inhibition thus your strength to stay tobacco-free.  Avoid alcoholic beverages.
    • Being around other tobacco users may make you want to use.
    • Eat healthy – many smokers will gain weight when they quit but do not let weight gain keep you from your goal.  Using medication for smoking cessation may delay that weight gain.
    • Changes in mood – find other ways to change your mood other than tobacco use.
    • Talk to your health care provider if you are having any problems.