Leave the pack behind

By Kayla De Sousa

deso0082@algonquincollege.com

 

“I have noticed a lot less smokers out in the cold,” said Angela Macdonald, the college’s health promotion nurse. While not wanting to spend the coldest days of the year huddled out in the cold might be a good reason for smokers to butt out for good, Macdonald and Health Services at the college are also available to help in any way they can.

 

Many use the idea of a New Year’s resolution as a way to escape nasty habits such as smoking that may hinder their health and their quality of life. Macdonald believes they may have spent their Christmas holidays binge-drinking and smoking, or they may have accepted the concern of family and friends as something to be taken seriously.

 

Whatever their reason to quit, Macdonald said that smokers face a difficult road ahead and being willing and wanting to change are the most important factors for them to reach their goal. Students attempting this difficult journey should not feel that they must face the challenges alone. “We are here to support them, not to badger them,” Macdonald said.

 

From smokers not thinking about quitting, to those in the process, and even non-smokers looking for help for their loved ones, Health Services has numerous resources to help each individual.

 

‘Leave The Pack Behind’ is the college’s most well-known resource and offers many things including samples of patches and gum. Some smokers may feel uncomfortable taking advantage of these services but there are still tips and strategies that can help them along.

 

Macdonald suggests isolating yourself from smoking areas, drinking lots of water to keep yourself busy and to detoxify your body of the dangerous chemicals. Chewing a piece of gum when you are faced with a craving is another tip. One of the most effective strategies she suggests is drinking peppermint tea. It soothes the smokers’ throat and also works as a filler for smoking. Talking to anyone about the challenges you face can also help with the process.

 

“It just takes one step at a time,” she said.

 

There may be slip-ups which a smoker should not feel discouraged over. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. However, smokers should keep in mind that the consequences overrule the benefits and that the new year is a great time to take control of your life and of your health.

 

“The healthier you try to live, the happier you’ll be,” said Macdonald.