Wellness Plans : Health Promotion Programs – Focus on Use of tobacco Cessation Programs.

Advantages of Smoking Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory illnesses, cancer and other illnesses may be lowered through use of tobacco cessation efforts. Smoking cessation programs can provide huge opportunities for improved health.

The American Cancer Society reports that tobacco use personnel cost corporations an average of $1,429 per smoker each year in increased healthcare costs over non-tobacco use personnel.

Starting a use of tobacco cessation program costs an typical of $45 per employee annually, saving corporations an typical of $1,383 annually for each employee who quits use of tobacco. Likewise, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50 percent more often than nonsmokers.

They’re also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Tobacco use lowers onthe- job productivity as well. Workers who take four 10- minute smoking breaks a day work more than a month less annually than personnel who don’t take smoke breaks.

Places to begin with use of tobacco cessation programs –  

• Create a “buddy” program to provide encouragement for those who commit to stop use of tobacco.

• Offer lung capacity tests at corporation wellness fairs.

• Consider reimbursement for use of tobacco cessation tools –  nicotine gum, patches and inhalers.

• Limit smoking areas in the worksite.

• Present onsite smoking cessation sessions.