Want to stop smoking?
Chances are, your HMO can help you kick the habit!
To help its members who are ready and willing to take the first steps in kicking the cigarette habit, PEF identified the HMOs that offer free or low-cost smoking-cessation programs.

“It is important to understand smoking is a serious addiction,” said Ross Aronson, co-chair of PEF’s statewide Health and Safety Committee.

“Our members should work through their agency and local health and safety committees to promote these programs, so people who are motivated to quit are given appropriate support and encouragement.”

Approximately 440,000 people in the US die of illnesses attributable to cigarette smoking every year, with an expense of $75 billion in direct medical costs and $82 billion in lost productivity.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema account for more than half of all the smoking attributable diseases.

“These findings underscore the need to expand smoking-cessation efforts,” Aronson said.

Members should contact their HMO for specific information about smoking-cessation programs and prescription smoking-cessation drugs. — Jonathan Rosen

Roswell team helps New Yorkers kick the habit (related story link)

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Inside This Issue
Features
Testifying on wasteful state spending
Contractor at fault in bridge collapse
Stop privatization dead in its tracks’
SEIU leads ‘Show Bush the Door in '04’
- PEF to show Bush the exit door
- How to help show Bush the door

Departments
President's Message: Bush must go
You Said It: Member's letters this month
Member Mobilization: Training gears up
Nurses' Station: protest-of-assignment
Legislative Update: Law buys time
Contact Update: Time clocks off limits
Nov. 19 Capitol Rally
Health Benefits: Roswell to the rescue
- HMO can help you stop smoking?
- Decide about your health benefits now
Retirees: Get HIP to health insurance
Health & Safety: Workplace books to go
PEF Membership Benefits & Travel Corp

Union Matters
PEF’s ’03 COPE All Stars shine
Keep hope alive at Bronx PC
PEF preps for battle to save OCFS jobs
PEF backs Gunther for state Assembly
Time clocks off the wall
OFCS member Dudley does write
Members Highlights

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