Heidi Gray, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:   Helping smokers quit may be the best thing that doctors can do for their patients’ health given the prevalence of tobacco-use-related deaths. Despite this, many doctors and health care professionals are uncomfortable helping their patients quit smoking. In my job as a Quit Coach, I hear many times a day that doctors recommend quitting, but very rarely do I hear accounts of personal guidance or assistance from health care professionals. A... [More]

Heidi Gray, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:   It’s hard to get teenagers to participate in tobacco cessation programs. Shoot – it’s hard to get a hold of them for a phone conversation! It’s recently been pointed out that tobacco cessation programs for teens need to be revamped in an effort to increase participation. Teenagers tend to feel pretty invincible and most don’t think of smoking as a long term addiction, or as having much impact on their health. In light of this, I thought I’d hi... [More]

Heidi Gray, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:   As a Quit Coach, I talk to people everyday who are quitting smoking and all of them describe strong feelings associated with the decision to quit. After all, it’s a very significant lifestyle change, akin to ending a relationship or a major change in diet! Even in the midst of all the strong feelings I hear about on the phone, there is one question that always elicits especially enthusiastic responses. “What do you plan to do with your c... [More]