The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will severely limit smoking on its campus this year, in an effort to improve the health of veterans, volunteers, visitors, and staff. According to details obtained from the medical facility, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States:“Tobacco smoke is a proven health hazard that affects both smokers and non-smokers,” said Medical Center Chief of Staff J. Kalavar, M.D. “The decision to change our smoking policy reflects the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center’s commitment to improve the health of our Nation’s heroes.”
The MEDVAMC also cites additional reasons for limiting cigarette smoking on its campus: “Each year, an estimated 443,000 people die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and another 8.6 million live with a serious illness caused by smoking. Despite these risks, approximately 46.6 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco, cigars, and pipes also have deadly consequences including lung, larynx, esophageal, and oral cancers.”
Smoking at the MEDVAMC will be limited to designated smoking areas. Veterans, employees, volunteers, and visitors will be ticketed and/or fined should they be found smoking outside of these designated areas.
The MEDVAMC offers assistance to smokers who wish to quit smoking: “The MEDVAMC offers a wide range of assistance to help reduce nicotine addiction including smoking cessation classes, step-by-step manuals, one-on-one counseling, prescription medications, nicotine replacement products, and other related items. Veterans should talk with their VA health care team today about available options.”
Medical Center Limits Smoking On Its Campus was originally published on news92fm.com
