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Frequently Asked Questions
Why has PeaceHealth banned tobacco use on its property?
Since part of PeaceHealth’s mission is to promote personal and community health, we’re always looking for ways to make a difference in our community. As a health care organization—and as health care workers—we have an opportunity and responsibility to set a good example and use our expertise and resources in ways that will improve the health of our community, including our workplace.
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Why focus on tobacco when there are many bad health habits?
Tobacco use is the #1 cause of preventable death in Lane County. We have chosen to convey the message that quitting tobacco—or never starting—is one of the most important health decisions a person can make. Having a comprehensive tobacco-free policy gives us a chance to make a significant impact on community health as well as further our efforts to create a healthy, healing environment for our patients.
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Is this policy a restriction of personal freedoms?
We are aware that some might view this policy as a restriction on personal freedom. However, we are not forcing people to quit tobacco. We are restricting the use of tobacco only while on PeaceHealth property. We are taking the extra steps to educate people about the dangers of tobacco use and will provide resources for assistance in
quitting—whether it is temporary or permanent.
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What is the difference between smoke-free and tobacco-free?
Smoke-free is commonly used to describe an environment where no smoking is allowed. This prohibits people from using cigarettes, pipes and cigars, which give off secondhand smoke. Tobacco-free refers to an environment that is not only smoke-free but also void of any kind of tobacco product use, including chewing tobacco, snuff, etc., as well as
cigarettes, pipes and cigars. This policy not only addresses clean air quality and environmental concerns but also the root of the problem to help improve individual and community health in the long-term. All tobacco and non-tobacco smoking substances are prohibited.
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Where can I go to use tobacco while I’m in one of the PeaceHealth facilities?
If you plan to use tobacco products, you must leave PeaceHealth property, including buildings, parking lots/structures and open spaces that are owned by PeaceHealth. City-owned sidewalks will be the closest areas to go; however, we strongly encourage that you be respectful of our neighbors by taking your trash to a receptacle and keeping pathways open to others. If you need clarification on property boundaries, please ask our staff.
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Why should I quit tobacco use?
An estimated 419,000 Americans die each year from the effects of tobacco use and cigarette smoking.
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Smoking causes 20 percent—1 in 5—of all deaths in the United States each year.
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Smokers have an increased incidence of respiratory problems such as colds, pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis.
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Lung cancer kills more Americans each year than any other form of cancer. Nearly 90 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking.
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People who smoke cigarettes have twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease later in life.
You can quit! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more sources of help you use, the better your chance for success.
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What happens when I quit?
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20 minutes after quitting—Blood pressure starts to drop.
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24 hours after quitting—Chance of heart attack decreases.
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2 weeks to 3 months after quitting—Circulation and lung function improve.
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1 to 9 months after quitting—Coughing, sinus congestion, shortness of breath decrease.
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1 year after quitting—Risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
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5 years after quitting—Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker.
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10 years after quitting—Lung cancer death rate about half that of a continuing smoker.
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15 years after quitting—Risk of heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
*Information from U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990.
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