Baltimore Washington Medical Center To Become Smoke-Free
 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.
American Cancer Society – Kick the Habit
American Lung Association – Freedome from Smoking
QuitNet – an online buddy support system
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.
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