Tobacco use Cessation
Smoking cessation assistance is a worthwhile wellness activity. Smoking is often a challenging habit to overcome. Corporate wellness activities to support “tobacco-free” living include -
o Use American Lung Association resource. These include the Freedom From Tobacco use group and/or video-tutorial. There’s also a follow-up video “A Lifetime of Freedom From Tobacco use”.
o Reward individuals that have successfully quit tobacco use for six months with an appropriate “kicked the habit” certificate and some kind of incentive gift.
o Offer “cold turkey” sandwiches to smokers who pledge to quit during the Excellent American Smokeout.
o Begin a “quitting or thinking about it” support group to assist and encourage person attempting to stop use of tobacco.
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Addictions
When a substance abuse policy isn’t in place in your workplace, advocate that one be developed. Request a knowledgeable Health Promotion Committee member be included in the policy development process.
When such a policy is already in place be certain Health Promotion Committee members are cognizant of the policy and have a thorough understanding of it. From time to time, remind workforce of wellness resources and programs available.
o Invite AA, NA, AI-Anon, and other groups to meet in a business building and/or publicize community meetings.
o Serve non-alcoholic drinks whenever alcohol is served, and make certain food is always served along with alcoholic beverages.
o Provide easily accessible information about counseling, referral, and treatment programs available in the community. Put this information in an area where it can be viewed without embarrassment.
o When conducting wellness programs include information about responsible alcohol use on stress/weight management, nutrition, fitness, smoking, and accident prevention.
o Issues like co-dependence and the difficulty of assisting a substance abuser can also be addressed. Give this information as part of the wellness program by providing informational materials, brown bag sessions, employee assistance program information, etc.
o The Staff Member Assistance Program provider is an great resource for substance abuse wellness programming and or worker assistance.
o Other addictions, such as problem gambling, food addiction, shopping, Internet addiction, etc., could be problematic and can reach the point of affecting a person’s life and work. Provide information, video review, or staff member assistance sessions addressing these topics.
o A Health Promotion Committee member may gain personal information regarding an employee problem. Don’t forget to keep all employee information totally confidential.
