OXFORD,
Miss. – Nervousness. Irritability. Tension. Headaches. Intense
cravings. All these nicotine withdrawal symptoms are better managed
through the highly successful ACT Now Tobacco Quit Program at the
University of Mississippi.
Nearly two-thirds of Ole Miss
employees and nearly half of all students who attempt to kick the habit
through the ACT Now program remain tobacco-free three months after
their initial quit date. As for those hoping to quit on their own –
well, they have a success rate of less than 10 percent.
“Our
success rates with the ACT Now program are much higher than those who
try to quit smoking without professional assistance,” said Tom
Lombardo, UM associate professor of psychology and ACT Now project
director. “And the health implications for those who successfully quit
smoking are tremendous.”
Within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and pulse slow to normal and circulation improves. In a mere eight-hour period, carbon monoxide levels drop to near-normal and oxygen levels increase; within 24 hours, the smell of smoke starts to leave your breath, hair and body.
“I tried to quit before, but could only last a few weeks,” said David Stoddard, UM systems analyst.
A smoker for 12 years, Stoddard enrolled in the ACT Now program in September. Smoke-free since, Stoddard said he has regained his sense of taste and smell, and his breathing is easier.
“I feel a lot better than I did,” Stoddard said. “Now I have no desire to smoke, and that’s a huge plus.”
The ACT Now Tobacco Quit Program at UM offers two avenues: a six-week group support program or a brief advice program, with both offering free medications. The staff consists of trained tobacco specialists who guide participants through the quitting process.
“Our participants save hundreds of dollars with the free medication,” said Sandy Bentley, a UM pharmacist. “But the real savings are the cost associated with emergency room and doctor visits. Quitting truly increases the quality of your health.”
ACT Now staff not only offer information and advice on how to quit, but they also educate participants of what to expect after quitting as well as how to cope with urges to use tobacco.
Funded by a Mississippi State Department of Health grant, the program is free and open to all UM faculty, staff and students. To schedule an appointment with ACT Now or for more information, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/actnow, stop by the Student Health Service pharmacy or call 662-915-7385.