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By Barbara Silver

 

May 2, 2017 will mark two years of Susan Hinson’s quitting cigarettes, and is also the due date for her first grandchild! She feels excited about the baby’s arrival and also pleased that she doesn’t have to worry about her smoking affecting the child.

Susan learned about Tobacco Free Tar Heels (TFTH) during a hospital health fair. She met with Barbara Silver, the TFTH tobacco treatment specialist, and together they developed a plan. After discussing possible cessation medications and her past experiences with them, Susan decided that Chantix might just work for her – and it did.

May 2, 2017 will mark two years of Susan Hinson’s quitting cigarettes, and is also the due date for her first grandchild! She feels excited about the baby’s arrival and also pleased that she doesn’t have to worry about her smoking affecting the child.

Susan learned about Tobacco Free Tar Heels (TFTH) during a hospital health fair. She met with Barbara Silver, the TFTH tobacco treatment specialist, and together they developed a plan. After discussing possible cessation medications and her past experiences with them, Susan decided that Chantix might just work for her – and it did.

Smoking “consumes you,” she says. “You think about it all the time.” She enjoys the freedom of NOT thinking about it anymore. Susan delights in being able to breathe better and can sing again. Being part of social groups without having to leave in order to smoke a cigarette adds to the plusses of being tobacco free. This became especially evident at her son’s wedding, where no other guests smoked. In addition, she likes pocketing the money she used to spend on cigarettes.

Susan appreciates the Tobacco Free Tar Heels program for the guidance she received from her counselor and the three months of free medications. She never felt pushed to quit and believes the ability to set goals at her own pace contributed to her success.

If you are a health care employee who is interested in quitting tobacco – smoking, chewing, dipping or vaping – please contact Barbara Silver to enroll for 12 weeks of FREE medication and support. Dependents enrolled on the employee’s health plan are also eligible.

Please contact Barbara Silver at 984-974-8455 or barbara_silver@med.unc.edu.