Yes!!!!
This July 6 our entire campus of retirement facilities will become Smoke FREE! That includes parking lots, parks, alleys, even your own car! All Residents and Employees will have to abide by these rules
For those who are interested, Smoking Cessation Classes with Free NRTs will be provided. For the rest of these folks, they have to cross off campus to indulge in their Addiction!
So why do I take this so jubilently? I haven't forgotten my days as an actve Addict! I remember clearly that compulsion to have a sickerette! I know that with technique you can suck down 3 sickerettes on a 10 minute break!
However, I have COPD and second and even third hand smoke make me very sick instantaneously. Literally my airway closes up and I cough uncontrollably and struggle to breathe! I've had to ask coworkers to please step away from the door so I can get to my car when I get off work (only partially effective since I still have to walk through that smoke cloud!) I've had to ask coworkers to please keep their distance from me after coming in from their smoke breaks. I've had to avoid the patios and outside areas because they are full of smoke from smoke break. And I'm a worker!
The residents - our clients and reason for existence - are mostly in their 80s and 90s. Some of them are unable to speak up for themselves due to cognitive decline. THEY often have COPD, too! Mine is moderate and some of them have severe COPD. They undoubtedly have the same second and third hand smoking issues as I do! Then a worker comes in from their smoke break and without even washing their hands goes in and provides care on that Resident! Gee, I wonder why So-and-so can't breathe when Such-and-such is caring for them!
THAT is why I'm elated! Smoking doesn't just effect the Smoker in dozens of negative ways! It effects the people who are around them!
Think of your Grandbabies! The guy parked next to you at the grocery store! The lady in line at ATT or that sports event! Think of the third hand smoke you transfer to paper money!
AND think of yourself!
Life is too short! Don't smoke it up!
