Responding to a request by a group of Accelerator staff, the Human Resources and Medical Services departments recently initiated a program to help Lab staff interested in quitting smoking.

HR and Medical Services coordinated with Sentara Health Prevention to provide a work-site "Stay Smokeless for Life" program. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. Quitting smoking can lengthen lives and improve health. Medical specialists point out that it is never too late to kick the habit.

The Stay Smokeless program is a six-week education and support program for both the first-time quitter and for individuals who have attempted to quit before. The primary goal of the program is to help participants understand the nature of addiction to nicotine and to learn effective ways to control the addiction. Other goals of the program are ongoing support and encouragement to help participants stick to their commitment to quit.

There are 20 JLab staff and family members (spouses & dependents) enrolled in the on-site program that began Aug. 31.

The program is provided to JLab staff at no cost to the Lab or the staff member. For more information about the smoking cessation program, call Ruben Pedroza, HR special projects administrator, ext. 7984

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