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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Thinking of a New Year's Resolution for 2014?


As a member of the Personal Health and Safety Committee, I volunteered to be on the Tobacco Free Steering Committee.  I heard that SUNY was going to institute a Tobacco-Free policy in all SUNY colleges.  As a registered nurse and non-smoker, I thought this would be a positive step in promoting health and wellness to our students.  Once on the committee and sub-committees, I was able to hear several sides of the discussion on becoming Tobacco Free.  The main focus that has me in favor of a Tobacco-Free Campus Community is “Being respectful of each other, our community and our world.”

Did you know…

·         Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in the US?
·         Tobacco refuse is the number one source of litter on the planet?
·         Much of the tobacco used in the United States is grown in third world countries with child laborers?

I’ve spoken to many students that use tobacco products.  Most of the students that I have talked with say that they would like to quit.

One student, Debi Bridges said I may share her story.  She states, “I smoked for over 40 years and had no intention of quitting even after losing my mom to cancer 3 years ago.  Last year, my granddaughter was just learning to walk.  I came into the house from smoking a cigarette and called her to walk to me. As she got to me, I picked her up to give her a hug and kiss.  She scrunched her face up and pushed me away.  I realized she did not like the smell of smoke on me. I decided then that hugs and kisses from family and friends are much better than having that cigarette.  I took Chantix to help me quit smoking.  I am proud to say that I have been smoke free for 1 year and 4 months, and I don’t get pushed away from my granddaughter anymore!”

If you use tobacco and are interested in quitting or know someone that may be interested in quitting, here are some resources that may be helpful:

For MCC Students:

-- MCC Health Services – (585) 292-2018 or "mailto:healthsvc@monroecc.edu"
-- WATI (Web Assisted Tobacco Intervention), "mailto:wati@urmc.rochester.edu" Phone (585)276-6243

For MCC Employees:

Excellus Quit for Life Tobacco Cessation Program, 1-800-348-9768

For All:

-- The New York State Smokers’ Quitline, 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), or visit "https://www.nysmokefree.com"
-- American Cancer Society, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620, (585)224-4833, "https://www.cancer.org"
-- Smoking & Health Action Coalition of Monroe County, 1595 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620, (585)666-1395, "https://www.SmokeFreeMonroe.com"   
-- American Lung Association Finger Lakes Region, 1939 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 12620, (585)442-4260, "https://www.smokefreefingerlakes.org"

Why don’t you join SUNY and make 2014 Tobacco-Free for you?

Sue George, RN
The Wellness Team
12/12/2013