At Sunshine Community Health Center (CHC), we believe in empowering our community to make positive changes that enhance health and well-being. This November, our Monthly Clinic Incentive focuses on promoting tobacco screening and cessation, helping community members identify their tobacco use and set goals for a healthier new year.
A Special Incentive: Breathing Necklaces
As part of our commitment to supporting tobacco cessation, we’re excited to offer a unique incentive. Every individual who participates in tobacco screening and discusses cessation options with their provider will receive a breathing necklace at checkout, while supplies last.
What is a Breathing Necklace?
A breathing necklace is a mindful tool designed to aid in relaxation and awareness. It typically features beads that can be used for counting breaths, helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, and cravings associated with addiction and habits. By providing a tactile experience, the breathing necklace encourages users to pause, take deep breaths, and focus on their well-being. It’s an excellent resource for anyone working toward reducing tobacco use or managing stress.
Understanding Tobacco Use
Tobacco use encompasses a variety of products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco (like chewing tobacco and snuff). Each form of tobacco carries significant health risks:
Cigarette Smoking: The leading cause of preventable death, cigarette smoking is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cigar Smoking: While often perceived as less harmful, cigar smoke contains similar toxins and can lead to cancers of the mouth, throat, and lungs.
Pipes: Smoking tobacco in pipes can also result in serious health issues, including respiratory diseases and oral cancers.
Smokeless Tobacco: Chewing tobacco is not a safe alternative; it can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and cancers of the mouth and pancreas.
The Importance of Tobacco Screening
One of the key components of our initiative is the Uniform Data System (UDS) tobacco screening measure. This universal measure helps us assess tobacco use among our patients and encourages providers to have important conversations about cessation. By reporting and improving outcomes in our communities, our federal funders gain valuable insight into the effectiveness of their financial commitment to our health initiatives. This partnership allows us to enhance overall health as a nation, one community at a time.
Accessible Support: The Alaska QUIT Line
In addition to the resources available through Sunshine CHC, we encourage individuals seeking to quit tobacco to utilize the Alaska QUIT Line. This valuable resource provides free support to Alaskans looking to quit tobacco. The QUIT Line offers a variety of services, including:
One-on-One Counseling: Trained specialists are available to provide personalized support and guidance tailored to your needs.
Quit Kits: Participants can receive helpful materials and resources to assist with their quitting journey.
Text Messaging Support: Sign up for text messages with tips, encouragement, and motivation to stay tobacco-free.
The Alaska QUIT Line can be accessed by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visiting their website for more information and resources. This is an excellent complement to the services offered at Sunshine CHC, providing additional support on your journey to quitting tobacco.
Join Us This November
We invite all community members to take part in our tobacco screening initiative this November. By discussing your tobacco use and cessation options with your provider, not only can you gain valuable insights and resources for positive change, but you’ll also receive a breathing necklace—available while supplies last—to support your journey.
Together, let’s work toward a healthier future. Your health matters, and at Sunshine CHC, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For more information about our tobacco cessation programs or to schedule your screening,
please contact us today by calling 1-907-376-2273 or using your patient portal to request an appointment.
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (CARE)
*This article was written with the support of AI*