We’re now entirely smoke-free!

Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital are now smoke-free. For your health there is not any smoking areas on either campus.

Why it's important that we go smoke-free

• Everyone deserves smoke-free air.
• Secondhand smoke contains 43 cancer-causing agents and other toxins, including formaldehyde, cyanide, carbon monoxide and arsenic.
• Children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke, which contributes to asthma, ear infections, pneumonia and bronchitis.

How to Quit

Cigarette Smoking is both a habit and an addiction, making quitting especially hard. But you can quit. In fact, the urge to smoke will begin to subside a few days after you’ve had your last cigarette. Until then, try these tips from the American Cancer Society.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Delay giving in to the craving - the urge should pass in a few minutes
• Breathe deeply and relax.
• Do something active, such as taking a walk, writing a to-do list or calling a friend.
• For additional help, check out the following:
  FreshStart Smoking Cessation Classes - Call 503-561-5138.
  The Nicotine Anonymous group meets at Salem Hospital. Call 503-507-7949.
  The Oregon Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP)
  QuitTobacco.org

How to support someone who is trying to quit

You can be a big help to the people you care about by encouraging and supporting them as they make sometimes difficult changes in their lives. It may call for a little bit of sacrifice on your part, but hey, you just might improve your own health while supporting them! Here are some ways you can help:

• Help out with daily responsibilities to lessen the stress.
• Keep his or her mind off of tobacco by doing things together, such as going to the movies or taking a walk.
• If you use tobacco yourself, don’t smoke or chew around someone who wants to quit, and don’t encourage them to start again.
• Understand that they will be irritable as they go through nicotine withdrawal. Be patient with them.
• Learn relaxation techniques together.