Which Is least harmful?

Answer: None

Have you ever met someone who stopped smoking cigarettes and started chewing tobacco or smoking cigars because he thought it was less harmful? Tobacco treatment counselor Dianna Mulhern says it’s a common misconception. “There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product,” she says. “All cause very serious, and potentially deadly, risks to your health.”

That’s why beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the use of all tobacco products will be banned on all LVHHN property. To help you prepare, the Tobacco Treatment Program (covered under Choice Plus) is available to help you throw away your cigarettes, cigars, pipe or chew for good.

Here’s a list of the health problems these tobacco products cause and some Tobacco Treatment Program tips to help you quit.

A) Health Risks: Smoking cigarettes significantly increases your risk for cancer, heart and lung disease, and stroke.

Quit Tips: Avoid the things that may trigger a craving. Change your daily routine so you don’t light up. Carry a water bottle or cinnamon sticks to keep your hands busy.

B) Health Risks: Smoking light cigarettes is just as dangerous as smoking regular brands. Even though they’re labeled “low tar and nicotine,” smokers may take more puffs to satisfy their nicotine addiction.

Quit Tips: Switching from regular to light cigarettes will not help you quit. Instead, talk to a tobacco treatment counselor about setting a quit date, and use the time to mentally prepare yourself to stop smoking.

C) Health Risks: Chewing tobacco causes cancer of the mouth, one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It contains more nicotine than cigarettes, making it more addictive and difficult to quit.

Quit Tips: Chew a piece of nicotine gum until it tastes peppery, and place it between your gum and cheek where you would your chewing tobacco. Mint leaf or coconut snuff is a safe alternative and will satisfy the need to have something in your mouth.

D) Health Risks: Even if you don’t inhale, pipe and cigar smoke enters the mouth, throat and lungs causing cancer. Because pipes and cigars don’t have filters, more toxins enter your body. This can cause blood vessels to constrict and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Quit Tips: Pretzel rods are a safe and tasty alternative to keep your hands and mouth busy. Get rid of your humidor. Use it to store candy or even jewelry.

To sign up for our Tobacco Treatment Program, click on the smoke-free icon on the intranet at www.lvh.com or call 610-402-CARE.

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