While it is difficult to overcome the addiction of smoking and completely kick the habit, different strategies and tactics can help control the desire to smoke in certain situations. To help, Kaiser Permanente established an online program called “Breathe,” free for Kaiser Permanente members 18 years or older. The program gives you a closer look as to why it’s so hard to quit smoking and ongoing support based on your unique needs. Components of this program include:
- Tools to track and monitor your everyday process
- A personalized plan to quit smoking
- Relaxation and guided imagery podcast
- Finding ways to cope with stress and deal with the urge to smoke
Nurse Practitioner Louis Casa encourages members to “try the program that has successfully helped 58 percent of its participants stop smoking”. She also expresses if you aren’t able to finish the program all at once, you can save your spot, then pick up where you left off when you return. That way, you can to finish at your own pace. You could also be confident that your privacy is protected and that the security of your own personal information will be maintained.
Another supportive resource Kaiser Permanente has is personal Wellness Coaching. These convenient phone sessions provide personal support to help members achieve their goals. Kaiser Permanente’s Wellness Coaching is available for five topics; tobacco cessation, stress management, physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating.
How Wellness Coaching works?
- Patients are assigned a coach. During their first appointment, a coach helps assess your readiness and motivation. Are you prepared to make changes at this time?
- After your first session, your and your coach will work together on how often you should meet by phone.
- To make an appointment, call 1-800-862-4295, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (no referral needed, members are encouraged to call if needed)
For more information, the following resources are available online:
- Breathe (online support)
- Personal Wellness Coaching via phone
- Outside sources such as apps (smokefreeTXT) and a quit line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) are also recommended
Always remember the four D’s:
- Deep breathing
- Drinking water
- Delaying gratification- 2 minute delay helps
- Doing something else
