Wellness Programs - Focus on Tobacco use Cessation Programs.

Advantages of Tobacco use Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory illnesses, cancer and other illnesses may be reduced through use of tobacco cessation efforts. Tobacco use cessation programs can provide enormous opportunities for improved health.

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

Implementing a use of tobacco cessation program costs an typical of $45 per staff member per year, saving businesses an typical of $1,383 per year for each staff member who quits use of tobacco. Also, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50% more often than nonsmokers.

They are also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Tobacco use lowers onthe- job productivity as well. Employees who take four 10- minute smoking breaks a day work more than a month less per year than employees who do not take smoke breaks.

Places to start with tobacco use cessation programs -  

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

• Offer lung capacity tests at company health fairs.

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

• Limit use of tobacco areas in the workplace.

• Present on-site tobacco use cessation sessions.