What is one good reason why a healthy worker is so valuable? Are several excellent reasons enough? And one more question: How do unhealthy habits affect one's value in the workplace?
In 2001, U.S. companies lost an estimated $300 billion due to absenteeism, turnover, poor morale and lost productivity. No greater challenge to workplace productivity exists than maintaining a healthy workforce.
Poor health is strongly associated with increased medical expenditures, increases in absenteeism and disability, and more workplace accidents. Wellness begins with becoming informed about the threats to health and then making good choices to diminish the risk for developing chronic diseases.
Smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death. Quitting smoking or other tobacco use is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome in the quest to live a longer, healthier life. However, such a personal victory not only directly impacts one's health but can boost job satisfaction, self-esteem and overall happiness.
The first step to quitting tobacco is no secret, nor is it an ambiguous step in behavior modification — smokers must be committed to quitting and really WANT to quit. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), tobacco dependence is explained by a Three-Link Chain of Addiction model, comprised of physical, mental and social factors. Research indicates that most smokers make five to seven attempts to quit before becoming free of tobacco. Each person has a unique set of challenges and requires an individualized plan for success.
Let's consider the truly amazing facts of what occurs when a body stops smoking. Within minutes of smoking the last cigarette, the entire body begins a series of changes that continue for years:
• 20 minutes after quitting, the heart rate drops to a normal level
• 12 hours after quitting, the carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Two weeks to three months after quitting, the risk of a heart attack begins to drop and lung function improves
• One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia (tiny hairlike structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce the risk of infection (such as pneumonia and bronchitis)
• One year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
• Five years after quitting, stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker
• 10 years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a chronic smoker
• 15 years after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker
There are many self-help options available to tobacco users. South Carolina maintains a toll-free Tobacco Quitline, open seven days a week. Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) contacts trained counselors to begin one's smoke-free journey. Also, the ALA developed an evidence-based curriculum for smoking cessation called Freedom From Smoking® and also has a toll-free number staffed by health professionals to answer questions — 1-800-LUNG-USA (586-4872).
WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
• www.smokefree.gov
• www.cancer.org
• www.lungusa.org
• www.scdhec.gov/quitforkeeps
SUPPORT GROUPS/CLASSES:
Freedom From Smoking®
This 7-week cessation class begins August 8, 2011, and meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration required; please call 864-560-4472.
Nicotine Anonymous
A 12-step support group that meets weekly at the Village at Pelham Medical Office Building, Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required.
Planning is required — if you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. Find a reason for wanting to quit. This is a highly personal step. Be aware that smokers have different experiences when they quit. It is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to develop a unique smoking cessation strategy.
Be sure to exercise every day! For example, walking is a wonderful way to reduce the stress of quitting. Exercise is a big boost toward feeling better, improving spirits and keeping trim. Regular exercise also helps control blood pressure and regulates cholesterol, other risk factors for heart disease.
Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water. Ask family, friends and co-workers to help. Having someone to take a walk with or just to listen can give a needed boost. The buddy system works well for some trying to quit smoking.
Pick up a new healthful habit or hobby (chewing gum, crossword puzzle, exercise, knitting, etc.) to replace smoking. Putting down the cigarettes is the first step, but modifying behavior is a major ally in fighting the urge.
Also, think about secondhand smoke. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Over 50,000 nonsmokers die every year from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and heart disease in adults, and sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections and asthma attacks in children. Of the chemicals that have been identified in secondhand tobacco smoke, more than 50 have been found to cause cancer.
The bottom line: a few lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in one's health, happiness, and productivity — on the job and at home. Visit www.mylifecheck.heart.org to learn more about the seven simple changes to improve one's life.
For more information, please call the Joe R. Utley Heart Resource Center at 864-560-4472.