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In This Issue:
BWH's Judy Riley has been smoke-free for more than a year.
Did you know that tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for the death of one in 10 adults worldwide?
Every year on May 31, the World Health Organization and partners across the globe mark "World No Tobacco Day" by highlighting health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
In honor of "World No Tobacco Day," BWH Bulletin checked in with Judy Riley, operations manager of the Operating Room/Clinical Support Services, who made the decision to quit smoking when BWH launched the tobacco-free campus initiative in November 2011.
What keeps you motivated to stay tobacco free?
I feel great, and I want to be around for the people I love.
How did you quit smoking?
I visited bad-habit-breaker Yefim Shubentsov, nicknamed the "Mad Russian," in Brookline. He's known for helping celebrities quit smoking and does energy healing work. He offers one-hour individual and group sessions. Normally, I have a few cigarettes when I drive, but by the time I left my session and drove home, I realized I hadn't had a single cigarette. And that was it; I quit cold turkey.
What are some of the benefits you've noticed since quitting?
My sense of taste has come back. My favorite food is veal parmesan, and I can actually taste it now!
Do you have any advice for people looking to quit?
Keep on trying, and don't give up. You have to mentally want to do it, and you will feel better. The average person tries to quit seven times before they are actually successful. If you slip up, just dust yourself off and keep going.
BWH offers resources to support employees who would like to quit smoking. Learn more about these resources at BWHPikeNotes.org.