Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital Encourages Quitters
Go Ahead…Quit! Tobacco, That Is.

BEAUMONT- On November 17, 2005, Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital will be providing support for smokers trying to kick the habit for the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.  For seventeen years, smokers across the nation have participated in the event by smoking less or quitting for the day.  The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for life.

Acknowledging the inconsistency between advising on the health hazards of tobacco use and allowing its use on hospital grounds, on January 1, 2006, Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital will become a tobacco-free environment.  Our strong position on this national epidemic will include the prohibition of tobacco use by anyone – employees, volunteers, medical staff, contract staff, vendors, patients and visitors.  On Thursday, November 17, 2005, from 11:00am – 1:00pm in the main lobby, Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital will be presenting an educational display, performing pulmonary function testing and encouraging employees to adopt a smoker.

Research shows that smokers are most successful at quitting when they have access to support, such as nicotine replacement products, counseling, prescription medicine to lessen cravings, guide books, and the encouragement of friends and family.  Information will also be available to promote the American Cancer Society’s free telephone counseling Quitline.

Regardless of how long a person has smoked, quitting has tremendous health benefits by substantially decreasing the risk of lung, laryngeal, esophageal, oral, pancreatic, bladder and cervical cancers.  Quitting also lowers the risk for major diseases including coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.  “We are like an extended family, and we want to help our fellow employees live healthier, longer lives,” stated Gaylynne Jones, Director of the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute. “We believe supporting the Great American Smokeout is a good way to make a positive impact on people’s lives by encouraging them to take the first step in giving up tobacco.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gaylynne Jones, RN      
Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospitals
Beaumont & Orange
(409) 212-5955