Tobacco

Avoid tobacco products in any form. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death. It is a significant risk factor for heart and lung disease, stroke, and some cancers. Smoking while using oral contraceptives increases risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and blood clot problems, especially after age 35. Pregnant women who smoke have an increased risk of stillborn, premature, or low-birth weight babies.

“Second-hand” or environmental smoke also has adverse health effects, including increased cancer risk and increased respiratory illness. Children exposed to second-hand smoke have an even greater risk of health problems. Never smoke around children or anyone with a chronic disease.

Tobacco is both physically and psychologically addictive. Quitting can be very difficult. Most smokers make several attempts at quitting before they are successful.

Tips to help you quit smoking:

• Make a plan to quit; set goals for yourself.
• Find support among family, friends, and co-workers.
• Discuss tobacco cessation products and programs with your health care provider. Read and follow instructions when using tobacco cessation products.
• Check your local listings for tobacco cessation programs and support groups.

Security Health Plan recognizes the incredible burden of tobacco use. Tobacco use undoubtedly decreases the health and quality of life of users. People who use medications to help them quit and get support and education are the most likely to be successful. Security Health Plan wants to do all we can to help members quit using tobacco. Click here to learn more.

The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, is a program that provides telephone counseling for smokers who want to quit. Counseling is provided before an individual quits, and up to four additional calls will be provided throughout the quitting process. A personalized quit smoking kit is mailed to all people using the service. The Quit Line provides information on quitting for family members of smokers, their loved ones, and clinicians. It also provides referral information about local tobacco cessation services in Wisconsin. All services are free of charge.