WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | WIS producer completes anti-smoking course
Member Center:
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - After your big Thanksgiving Day meal, some people will take a nap. Some will take a walk.
Others may have a cigarette. But not Allison Wardley, one of our news producers. At least, we hope not.
Allison has completed the smoking cessation course offered through Palmetto Health.
"It just slowly evolved into, Okay, I'd actually go to the store and buy a pack and smoke several cigarettes a day," said Allison.
"We stay in the 'I could have done better' mode, instead of saying 'how can I do it better?'" says Palmetto Health's Gina Lane, a former smoker herself.
Lane gave Allison some final thoughts of encouragement.
"Don't drink in the same establishment or don't drink a beer if I was used to having a cigarette with a beer," Lane cautioned. "Don't drink that cup of coffee at nine o'clock in the morning if that's when I would take my cigarette break."
"When I've been drinking I'm more apt to have a cigarette," explained Allison. "When I'm really stressed out at work. Because that used to be my go-to thing. Like I just wanted to go outside and have a cigarette and calm down."
"Different ways to live your life and to live your life to make these choices so that you're not having those triggers, not having those temptations," said Lane.
Allison is also learning to reinforce her decision to quit smoking by focusing on the benefits, like saving her lungs and life -- and her money!
Not buying cigarettes at an average of five dollars a pack, smoking on average a pack a day, saves $1,825 a year. A 20-year smoker will have puffed away $36,500!
"And remember what we've always said: It didn't take you one day to become a smoker," said Lane. "It was something that you tried and you liked. And you became addicted and it became a habit. All of those things rolled into one. So becoming an ex-smoker is not going to happen overnight."
The South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative has some great information to help you quit smoking.
If you would like to register for the classes at Palmetto Health, call 296-2273.
Previous Stories:
Copyright 2009 WIS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
Job Link
It's time for a better career. Post your resume now, or search jobs.
Our new real estate page makes it easier than ever to search real estate listings in the Midlands!
Need new wheels? Search for a specific car or truck through WIS Wheels.
Groundbreaking procedures and technologies
Connecting women to a better life in the Midlands.
Your best online resource for local business.
Helpful advice and information.
