Proof it’s never too late to quit
May 27, 2009 by Bill MeltzerPosted in: Healthcare costs, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Wellness
Medical research has long shown quitting smoking at any age can improve a person’s health.
But a Duke University shows that the group you might think would be the least likely to quit – people over the age of 50 – may actually have the best odds for quitting through a smoking cessation program.
Researchers tracked 573 older patients over 10 years. They found that just 16% of those who joined the smoking cessation program later returned to smoking. Meanwhile, previous research has found young smokers who try to quit have a 35% to 45% relapse rate within two years.
Bottom line: Given the aging employee population and the cost of retiree health care, you may want to keep trying with smoking cessation education for your older employees.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I quit two months before my 60th birthday. Cold turkey, but it worked.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Randi G – I admire you so much! You should be very proud of that!
I really want to quit and have tried so many times. I just turned 57. I want to try the Chantix but insurance won’t pay for it – I don’t know why – it has a very good success record and I need help! It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever tried and failed at.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
My insurance will not cover Chantix either. I was able to get samples from my doctor. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take it – I had too many side effects. My husband has used it for 6 months without success. I take Wellbutrin and I’ve had great sucess with it! My grandmother was able to quit cold turkey….it is a very hard habit to break, especially when you come from a family of smokers.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Go for the Chantix. The cost savings from quiting will by far exceed the prescription. Used it to quit. Smoked for 30 years at 1 pack a day. It’s been 2 1/2 years since my last cigarette and only needed one refill on the prescription. Chantix = $200 vs cost of cigs = Over 3k.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Ann – That’s very encouraging to hear that the Chantix worked. Unfortunately, I tried the Wellbutrin but it did absolutely nothing for me. Everybody is different… I’m hoping that a combination of sugarless chewing gum, fiddling with toothpicks and Chantix may get me through it. My biggest fear is failure but I know I need to keep trying. Smoking is a filthy habit that I want out of my life after 40 years! Thank you for your encouragement and advice.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
If you can quit, doesn’t matter how, do it! A Heart Attack at the age of 38 made me quit. Don’t let it happen to you.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I also tried the Wellbutrin first as insurance covered it, but it didn’t work for me. Personally I was able to work the through the side effects of Chantix. Be careful when driving the first week or so as your mind may play tricks on you. Very strange dreams also. I had them and heard that from several other coworkers. They also were successful though. Good Luck!!
June 5th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Has anyone seen the new electronic alternative smoking devices? All you get is a harmless water based vapor that tastes and feels like smoke (none of the 4000 + added chemicals that they put in cigarettes that cause cancer and no tar to cause emphysema) There is a nicotine cartridge which is equilivant to a pack of cigarettes at less than half the cost. It looks like a pen. I’m sitting at my desk at work right now “smoking my cigarette” My boss loves it. No more smoke breaks. I love it, no more standing in the rain or snow to smoke. I’ve probably added 20 years back on to my life, my house and car don’t stink any more and I still get to smoke!
June 8th, 2009 at 9:33 am
OK Sharon – What’s the name of this wonderful new product??? I need to check it out – I’ll try anything!
June 9th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Lori,
Apparently they won’t allow me to list the website for you. My reply has been “awaiting moderation’ for 24 hours now and I guess I can understand that. If they allowed that, this website would deteriorate into a vehicle for everybodys current sales pitch. I would like to help you though. Lets see if I will be allowed to give you my email. Then you can contact me privately. Try purplesd1@yahoo.
June 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I smoked for many years and just got tired of smoking and quit. For those who are trying to quit, good luck. I thank god often for keeping me smoke free.