BSP Quit Smoking Program

WHERE there’s no smoke, there’s no fire.

This modified version of the well-known American proverb has seemingly become the mantra of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) employees, who celebrated the start of the BSP’s “100% Smoke-free Policy” last week.

Beginning August 1, 2012, all temporary smoking areas in the BSP have been removed, encouraging BSP employees to live healthier lives for themselves and their loved ones.

“Lung cancer ranks as the number one killer in BSP,” Dr. Greg Suarez of the Bangko Sentral’s Health Services Office (HSO) said, adding that 11 BSP personnel have died of lung cancer since 2007.

Of these 11, 10 were heavy smokers. The lone non-smoker who died of lung cancer was married to a heavy smoker, Dr. Suarez said.

Alarmed by these statistics, the BSP immediately acted and started implementing programs to encourage smokers to quit.

Among the BSP’s notable activities included the “Break Free Stop Smoking Support Program,” “Six-Week Stop Smoking Support Program,” “Family Day Program,” “Stress Management and Weight Management Issues Program,” and the HSO’s weekly Kapihan sa Medical lectures.

The BSP HSO has also been sending regular “e-tips” to BSP employees to help them quit the smoking habit. Here are some especially helpful ones:

* List the reasons why you want to quit and then keep copies of the list in places where you would normally keep your cigarettes, such as in your jacket, purse, or car.

- Your reasons for quitting smoking might include:

I will make my family proud of me.

I will no longer expose my children to the dangers of my second-hand smoke.

I will have a healthier baby (If you or your partner is pregnant).

I will lower my risk for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, early death, cataracts, and skin wrinkling.

I will feel healthier and have more energy, whiter teeth, and fresher breath.

I won't have to worry: "When will I get to smoke next?"

I will have more money to spend.

* Start your stop smoking plan with START.

- S = Set a quit date.

- T = Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit.

- A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you'll face while quitting.

- R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.

- T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit

* Explore healthier alternatives to smoking.

- Replace smoking with short exercise sessions.

- Practice short meditation sessions.

- When the urge to smoke strikes you, slowly eat a small amount of dark chocolate.

- Try a little negative reinforcement. Keep a book that discusses the negative health effects of smoking near you.

- When you feel like you can’t resist that cigarette, reach for the phone and call a good friend.

* The most important reminder of all, quit for the sake of your loved ones.

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