Free Snacks, Tobacco Treatment Resources Offered as Tobacco-Free Campus Nears
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2009) – As the November 19 implementation date of UK's tobacco-free policy draws near, the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC), University Health Service (UHS), and UK's Tobacco-Free Campus Initiative Task Force are joining forces to educate students, employees and visitors on UK's tobacco treatment resources to help them quit or reduce the use of tobacco products and promote healthy behaviors for a lifetime.
This week is not only the week UK's campus goes tobacco free, it is also the American Cancer Society's 34th Annual Great American Smokeout. Every year, campuses around the nation take this opportunity to educate and encourage smokers and non-smokers alike. This week also marks the one year anniversary of the UK Medical Center becoming tobacco free.
"This week is truly an opportunity to tell students and employees about the resources UHS provides. If you've seen the bags that say 'Big Bucks Bag,' they are a part of UHS's viral marketing campaign to raise awareness to students about the tobacco treatment resources UHS offers," said Fadyia Lowe, UHS tobacco treatment specialist and advisor of SHAC.
Posters and the "Big Bucks Bags" filled with fake money, and featuring facts about the average cost of smoking, were placed all over campus posing the question "How much does it cost?"
On Wednesday, Nov. 18 SHAC students will be passing out information and free cold turkey sandwiches at the event, "Cold Turkey? Think Again! " This event will be in two locations from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Whitehall Classroom Building and the Rose Street walkway.
"I'm excited about the cold turkey event in particular because I think it is a great way to educate students, staff and faculty that quitting cold turkey may not be the best option. In fact, less than five percent of quitters are successful using that method," said Joanne Brown, UHS tobacco treatment specialist. "The most successful methods involve the combination of counseling and medication."
On Thursday, Nov. 19 hot chocolate and s'mores will be available to all students, employees and visitors at the event "Learn S'more about Smoking." This event will be from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Student Center Patio. UHS has quit kits available and will be distributing them during both events to students interested in quitting.
Thursday, Nov. 19 marks the implementation of UK's tobacco-free policy. For more information on the tobacco-free policy and a full list of tobacco treatment resources for students, employees and visitors visit www.uky.edu/TobaccoFree.