Vaccinations, Please

One of the common misconceptions revolving around healthcare happens to deal with immunizations. Many people may believe that the need for immunizations ends in adolescence, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every year there are thousands of adult cases of serious health problems that lead to hospitalization, or even death that could have been prevented by immunization. August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the goal is to highlight the importance vaccinations play in the health of people of all ages.

WebMD lists a few reasons to get immunized:

  • Immunizations protect you and/or your children from dangerous diseases, and help reduce the spread of disease to others.
  • They are often needed for entrance into schools or day cares, and sometimes needed for employment, or travel to another county.
  • Getting immunizations cost less than the treatment for the disease you are trying to get protected from.

Furthermore, as we mentioned, while the importance of vaccines for children is well known, the trend doesn’t quite carryover to adulthood and Healthmap helped discuss this trend. One of the main barriers is that adults simply don’t realize they need immunizations. While many may receive a flu vaccine, many more are unaware of the need for others. For example, the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60+, yet less than 16% of that population has received it.

We believe we should continue to encourage everyone, including adults, to get their vaccines. Even if you received them as children, as you get older they tend to wear off, and you can especially be susceptible to illness if you have chronic diseases. Adults with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are especially urged to stay up to date with vaccines. The CDC recommends that all adults get the following vaccines:

  • Influenza vaccine (every year to protect against the flu)
  • Td vaccine (every 10 years for tetanus)
  • Tdap vaccine (Protects against tetanus, whooping cough, and should use during each pregnancy)
  • Other vaccines (shingles, HPV, measles, mumps, hepatitis A and B, etc.)

Vaccinations are important no matter what stage of life you’re in. Preventable diseases tend to reappear when immunization rates drop so it’s vital to keep up with your vaccines. Luckily, R-Health members can get their vaccines right in the office, at no additional cost to you. Last minute vacations are still in the works, and back to school season is just a few weeks away, so be sure to consult with your doctor and schedule any immunizations you and/or your children may need. If you have questions or fears about any vaccines, your R-Health doctor is available for a free and open discussion. Your individual health is always our top priority.

It’s Time to Engage

When afforded access to great healthcare, that’s when the real work begins. Your health goals and outcomes aren’t solely reliant on the doctor, but that responsibility also falls on you. Patient engagement is the first step towards the management of your health. According to the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, increased patient engagement leads to better patient outcomes, a higher quality of care, and lowered health care costs. It also helps in developing prevention and chronic disease self-management programs that many new practices are modeled after. However, let’s further discuss the upsides of patient engagement.

Increased communication – Physicians and patients can communicate with one another more often and provide updates and timelines on a patient’s conditions

Increased patient satisfaction – With open dialogue channels between patient and doctor, patients become more confident regarding diagnoses and conditions since they are privy to more information.

Prevention – We utilize health-related information systems to help improve health outcomes and to identify trends of health and disease earlier.

Furthermore, there are challenges when it comes to patient engagement. However, our R-Health doctors make it easy by having your health as their top priority. Our doctors:

  • Respect your individual needs
  • Lead and manage your care
  • Coordinate your care with other providers and facilities
  • Provide care for short-term and long-term illnesses based on up-to-date standards of care
  • Refer you to community resources that fit your needs

We have a few suggestions on how to stay engaged with your doctor:

  1. Partner with your doctor to develop a care plan (inform your doctor of any illnesses)
  2. Follow your care plan, and let your doctor know if you have difficulty with it
  3. Keep your appointments and contact your doctor if you can’t make it
  4. Check your patient portal for clinical summaries and instructions after each appointment
  5. If you have any question that needs answering, don’t wait, feel free to reach out to your doctor at any time

Despite aids from technology and the availability of your doctor, engagement isn’t effective if you don’t take the initiative to use these tools and seize more control of your health outcomes. With R-Health you have unlimited access to your doctor, so now it’s your turn to get engaged!

Park Appreciation!

Every month we try to highlight new ways to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. July is no different, as this month is recognized as Park and Recreation Month. Across the country, parks are highlighted due to their innate nature of enriching health and wellness, but also their help with community building and conservation efforts.

While you may think parks are great, sometimes you don’t have the time to look for them. Luckily, we have discovered a few close by. In relation to our R-Health locations, here are a few neighboring parks that you can explore:

Moreover, Parks and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July since 1985 with hopes of encouraging people to explore these local parks and engage in outdoor activities. With help from City of Columbia and Plan4Health, here are a few more reasons:

  1. Strengthen community image and sense of place
    • Parks provide a space which allow citizens to gather for festivals to public and private events. Weddings, picnics, and family reunions are all events that gather communities together and uplifts the area.
  2. Supports economic development/local ecosystems
    • Many parks contain sports fields, trails, beaches and other spaces that can play host for tournaments, festivals, and other activities that draw tourism dollars into the respective areas
  3. Strengths safety and security
    • Many recreational areas provide lessons in biking, swimming, etc. It serves as a great way to guide children on how to have fun, safely
  4. Increases children’s chances of success in school
    • Children with greater access to parks are more likely to be active, and studies have shown active children perform better in school
  5. Have a more positive outlook
    • Spending time in areas like parks help reduce stress and improve mental health. Creativity strengths and aggression lessens the more time spent outdoors.
  6. Facilitate Community Problem Solving
    • Many Parks and Recreation departments can not only help solve community problems, but are eager to do so. Reaching out to your locate parks department can facilitate a better overall community experience.

These are simple a few of the top reasons to explore parks, but it’s understood that convenience plays a big role. Fortunately, all the parks listed above are within 10-15 minutes of your R-Health doctor. Therefore, whether you have some free time before or after an appointment, or just on a random summer day, stop by one of these parks and really embrace the nature in your community.

Stay Easy, Breezy

The summer heat can be intolerable to some and indifferent to others. But for the most part, you would find that majority of people prefer not to be bombarded with summer heat waves. While there’s only so many times you can cool off in the pool, we thought it best to share tips on how to stay cool in the summer, and which foods may help.

Keeping cool during high temperatures is imperative. It’s not only about comfort but also the health risks that are heat-related. Per WebMD, there are a few heat-related illnesses:

  • Heat exhaustion – Develops from loss of large amounts of water and salt in body from excessive sweating. May interfere with brain function, and may be susceptible to people with heart, lung, or kidney problems
  • Heat cramps – also occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of fluids and salts. Can result in spasms of larger muscles throughout the body, which may be induced by people who work and/or exercise in hot environments
  • Heat stroke – The most severe of the three listed. Occurs from long, intense heat exposure to the body. Harshly affects the brain that regulates body temperature, disallowing the body to cool down.

As you notice, these are threats that may gravely affect the body if you are not proactive. However, MedicineNet provided a few ways to keep cool:

  1. Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of the cooler times (early mornings or late evenings)
    • If you can’t change, lessen the intensity and/or the duration
  2. Wear loose fitted clothes, preferably of lighter color
    • Cotton clothing will keep cooler than most synthetics
  3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it refrigerated, and use for a quick spray when you’re outdoors
    • Also, keep water bottles in the freezer to take with you outside
  4. Fans can circulate air better even in an air-conditioned house
  5. Drink plenty of water, sports drinks, and other sources of electrolytes
    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these will promote dehydration
  6. If you don’t have air conditioning arrange to spend parts of your days in areas that are cool
    • e. Shopping malls, public libraries, movie theaters, etc.
  7. Use common sense – if the heat is unyielding, stay indoors and/or avoid direct sunlight and hot asphalt surfaces

Furthermore, staying indoors and carrying portable fans aren’t the only way to stay cool. There are plenty of foods that are not only healthy but very refreshing during hot summer days. GreenLiving shared some fruits and vegetables that help you stay energized and cool for the summer.

  • Fruits
    • Watermelon – A summer favorite, it contains 90% water and has big amounts of vitamins A and C
    • Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon – Another fruit packed with water, they are low in calories and high in potassium. Also, a great source for losing weight and helping with cardiovascular issues
    • Citrus fruits – These may include oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes – keeps you refreshed and looking younger, due to the nutrients that help with healthy skin.
  • Vegetables
    • Cucumber – Another water fresh food that helps flush toxins out of the body and maintain healthy tissue and skin
    • Radishes – They are a great source of vitamin C and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
    • Leafy greens – These may include spinach, arugula, and herbs like mint, and focusing on the latter, mint has great cooling properties. It can relieve indigestion and inflammation and can be used for a lot of your iced teas
    • *Be mindful, don’t consume any of these foods if you are sensitive/allergic*

As you can see, there are many ways to thwart any inconveniences that come with intense summer heat. Following these tips will surely help and may even encourage you to spend more times outdoors. However, if you have any further questions on combatting the heat, or other foods to consume, be sure to visit your well air-conditioned, R-Health doctor’s office!

Sit Back and Enjoy the Show

Summer is in full swing with Independence Day right around the corner, prime for celebrating. This is time spent outdoors, enjoying the weather and warm company of family and friends. One of the big parts of summer, especially this week, are enjoying fireworks. Every July 4th people fill the outdoors with eyes gazed into the summer night to take in a firework show. However, what’s often overlooked is firework safety, so today we will discuss some risks, as well as how to use fireworks safely.

July is Fireworks Safety Month so it’s important we share information so you’ll the knowledge to make informed decisions before buying and/or using fireworks. Per the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people (mainly children and teens), suffer injuries while using fireworks.

Just in 2015, U.S. emergency rooms treated nearly 12,000 people for firework related injuries, with children younger than 15 accounting for more than a quarter of them (26%). Additionally, here are some more firework injury numbers:

  • Body parts injured by fireworks by percentage
    • Head, Face, or Ear – 19%
    • Eye – 19%
    • Arm – 5%
    • Hand or Finger – 36%
    • Leg – 10%
    • Trunk or Other – 11%
  • Males account for 74% of fireworks-related injuries.
  • About one in four fires started by fireworks occur on Independence Day

However, fireworks are not all bad, and offer great entertainment when used responsibly. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offered a few safety tips that we’ll discuss below:

  • Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
  • A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give to children
  • Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before use
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
  • Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings/vehicles
  • Never re-light a dud firework
  • Always have a bucket of water and a charged hose ready
  • Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and throw in a metal trash can
  • Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks
  • Report any illegal explosives to police or fire department

It’s also noteworthy to keep your pets away from any fireworks to protect them from the sound and/or in case they run off during a firework display.

Sometimes it’s best to leave the fireworks to the experts, simply due to the many types that are potentially harmful. However, if you choose to engage in this activity, remember to do so responsibly. This is meant to be an enjoyable, safe activity so be sure to proceed with caution. Although our R-Health doctors are available when you need them, they would much rather you stay safe and healthy this 4th of July.

Have Fun in the Sun

It’s that time of year when school is let out, there are celebrations galore, and vacations are planned. One of the best parts of summer is the ability to spend more time outdoors.. June celebrates National Great Outdoors Month.  Exploring the great outdoors is not only a great learning experience where you can discover different aspects of nature across the country, but it also presents benefits physically, and emotionally.

We constantly implore people to engage in physical activities. Part of the wonder with venturing into natural surroundings, is that can be enjoyable for all people. Men and women of all ages are sure to find something they gravitate towards during these adventures, and that’s a bonus to the existing physical, social, emotional, and intellectual benefits that ensue. HealthyLiving and LiveStrong highlighted these four benefits:

  1. Physical Benefits
    • Lower blood pressure
    • Reduced arthritic pain
    • Weight loss
    • Lowered risk of: diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases
    • Fulfills the CDC recommendation of 75 minutes of intense activity per week
  1. Social Benefits
    • Provides children and adults opportunities to socialize and develop new relationships with others
    • Social settings of outdoor spaces are often associated with positive experiences
    • Introduced to like-minded people who share passion for outdoor recreation 
  1. Emotional Benefits
    • Helps reduce stress and may prevent cases of depression
    • Leads to a better, deeper sleep, which may result in better concentration 
  1. Intellectual Benefits
    • Increased confidence, creativity, and better self-esteem
    • Nature settings rejuvenate and bring peace to the mind, improves outlook and increases positivity

There are also a few scientific factors that may lead to spending more time exploring the great outdoors. Business Insider shared some great content on how the outdoors boosts your mental and physical well-being:

  • Improved short term memory
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Better vision (especially for children)
  • Immune system boost
  • Reduced risk of early death 

Whether you’re out kayaking with family and friends, or exploring a new hiking trail, it’s great to explore the outdoors and take in all the beauty and health benefits it encompasses. As always, whenever you plan on engaging in vigorous activity, it’s good to reach out to your R-Health doctor to make sure your body is healthy and suitable for the added outdoor activity.

 

R-Health Announces Funding from Reinvestment Fund

$2 Million Loan to Support Further Direct Primary Care Expansion in New Jersey

R-Health, a leader in innovative primary care solutions, today announced the company has closed on a $2 million loan from Reinvestment Fund. The funding will support R-Health’s continued expansion of Direct Primary Care practices throughout the State of New Jersey.

R-Health’s expansion in New Jersey is focused on the State’s program to provide a no cost membership to an R-Health Direct Primary Care practice to public sector employees and their family members enrolled in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). R-Health currently has four practices in Ewing, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Washington Crossing, providing exceptional relationship-based primary care to members of the SHBP and SEHBP.

The goal of the New Jersey Direct Primary Care program is to transform primary care from the legacy model that is episodic, transactional, and focused on treating illnesses and maximizing billing volume, to a refreshing new model that is continuous, relationship-based, and focused on helping patients achieve optimum health. Reinvestment Fund’s loan will support R-Health’s launch of multiple new locations across New Jersey including Cherry Hill, Hamilton, New Brunswick, and Voorhees, among others.

“We are thrilled to announce the support of Reinvestment Fund in R-Health’s continued growth and our goal to improve access to high-quality primary care for public sector workers across New Jersey,” said Mason Reiner, R-Health CEO. “It is critical to have the support of a renowned mission-driven lender that understands the positive social impact that can be achieved with better access to superior primary care.”

“R-Health has the opportunity to demonstrate how improved access and availability to personalized primary care can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for public sector workers and tax payers in New Jersey,” said Bridget Wiedeman, Senior Director for Health Services at Reinvestment Fund. “Reducing overall healthcare costs in New Jersey through improved primary care will also free up public funds for investment in other high-priority social services.”

R-Health’s approach to Direct Primary Care in New Jersey is focused on removing all barriers to high quality primary care. This includes a membership covered 100% by the NJ SHBP / SEHBP, no co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs for patients, 24/7 access to a personal primary care doctor, a patient panel that is less than half of a traditional primary care physician, and absolutely no fee-for-service billing. R-Health primary care doctors offer longer appointments, same-day and next-day appointments, little to no wait to see the doctor, and onsite lab draws. R-Health doctors also dispense medications for acute conditions and administer immunizations onsite, creating a one-stop-shop for comprehensive primary care.

More information can be found at www.r-health.md/nj.

About R-Health: R-Health delivers more effective care and a better patient experience – all at a lower cost. We partner with employers, unions, insurance companies and TPAs to offer primary care that’s truly collaborative. This is accomplished through the traditional core values of convenient, personal primary care; our innovative data analytics and patient engagement platforms that streamline care, delivering better outcomes, lower costs and a refreshing patient experience; and the proactive management of chronic conditions. For more information, visit www.R-Health.md.

About Reinvestment Fund: Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

A Focus on Men’s Health

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time specifically geared towards encouraging men to take control of their health outcomes by staying aware of preventable health problems, while taking initiative to seek medical advice and treatments for injuries and/or disease.

Men’s health is very important, not only for the individual, but for the lives of the family and friends involved. It’s important to take the proper measures, not only this month, but all year long, to ensure that health is a top priority. The first step towards taking care of your health, is knowing what you could be facing.

WedMD published a story on the top health threats facing men. These are oftentimes common and preventable, yet negligence and masked productivity may inevitably lead some men to experience these threats such as:

Cardiovascular disease (The leading threat to men’s health)

  • Heart disease and stroke are the first and second leading causes of death for men
  • Men’s arteries develop atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup) faster than women and this could lead to heart attacks or strokes due to unstable blood clots

Lung Cancer

  • Fortunately, as the smoking rate declines, so do the cases of men dying of lung cancer
  • However, lung cancer is very aggressive and spreads very quickly, that when diagnosed it’s often at an advanced stage, and less than 50% of men survive a year later

Prostate Cancer

  • The leading cancer for men, with 1 of 6 men who will be diagnosed
  • Prostates are prone to develop quandaries as men age, making it extremely important to go through the preventative screening test(s)

Depression and Suicide

  • Research shows that men with signs of depression are more likely to develop heart disease
  • Men are less likely to seek help for depression. While women attempt suicide more often, men are more successful at completing it, which is why it is the eighth leading cause of death among men

Diabetes

  • Boys born in 2000 or later have a shocking 1/3 chance of developing diabetes

Erectile Dysfunction

  • Although not life threatening, it may still be a sign for other health problems
  • ED can be caused by atherosclerosis, which affects blood vessels

 Don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. There are many actions you can take to make sure you live a rich, healthy life every day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the top ways to improve male health:

  • Get Good Sleep
    • Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep, but insufficient sleep can result in developing many chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and depression
  • Say No to Tobacco
    • Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke not only improves your overall health, but lowers your risks of lung disease, cancer, and other illnesses
  • Move More
    • Adults should have around 2.5 hours of moderate-intense activity at least 2x a week, every week.
  • Eat Healthy
    • Eating a variety of natural foods and try to avoid or lessen your intake of highly processed foods, sugars, added fats, and/or alcohol
  • Tame Stress
    • Stress is very important as it can lead to depression and suicide. Find your best methods to tame stress and reach out to others for support. Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Stay on Top of Your Game
    • Pay attention to your signs and symptoms, keep track of your numbers (blood pressure levels, cholesterol, weight, etc), but most importantly, see your doctor.

The last point may be the most central. Fellas, it’s important to visit your doctor instead of putting it off. Get your routine checkups and any preventative screenings you may need. Certain conditions may not have symptoms so checkups can be very important in determining the outlook of your health. And with the flexibility of your R-Health doctor’s hours, it’s imperative you take advantage, especially on this month.

Turn the Safety On

Whether you’re grilling, or off basking in the sun, safety is always important. Through leadership, research, education, and advocacy, the National Safety Council Mission (NSC) has been at the forefront for promoting safety at home, work, and the road, especially during the month of June, which is recognized as National Safety Month.

Staying safe is just as much our job as it is staying healthy. There are many risks in all facets of life and it’s a duty to keep yourself and those around you safe, as best you can. Since this is National Safety Month, we’ll share tips on how to stay safe in three of the NSC’s key areas: home, work, and road.

When it comes to the home, familiarity may be the greatest counter to fear and insecurity. You know where everything is, how everything works, therefore you’re very comfortable. However, there are times spent alone in the home that can be anxious, thus Safewise reported a few ways to feel safe in the home, and we’ll discuss the following:

  • Get to know your neighbors – Not only is it great to meet and make new friends in your community, but friendly neighbors keep an eye out and alert you of any problems.
  • Lock the door – Seems like a no brainer, but despite how safe you believe your community is, locking the door makes it difficult for strangers to enter your home. Dead bolts are ideal.
  • Have an emergency plan – In case of a fire or extreme weather conditions, know the safest and quickest way out of your house.
  • Get an alarm system – Security systems these days are advances that you can monitor them from your work computer to your phone to keep watch on your home at all times.
  • Don’t leave a spare key outside – Give your spare to a trusted neighbor or family member. Keeping it hidden outside may make it easier for any intruders to enter.
  • Have a check-in plan – This is important especially when living alone. It’s good to let a trusted person know your basic schedule, so if you plan on heading out of town, they can account for any anomalies.

Now as you leave your safe home and on the way to work, typically the average person drives. But even if you’re not driving to work, there are many occasions behind the wheel. Per Injury Facts 2016, the three biggest casualties on the road are alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving. Fortunately, Lifehack shared tips on how to stay safe on the road, and we’ll discuss them below:

  • Allow enough time – Plan your trips accordingly. It’s best to plan to have a little extra time, to avoid rushing and henceforth speeding on the road.
  • Don’t drive distracted – IT CAN WAIT. Texting and driving result in accidents that injure more than 330,000 people a year. It’s best to keep the phone away until you arrive at your destination.
  • Check the weather – Can help in predicting delays and getting your car ready in case of severe storms
  • Keep regular maintenance – Keep your car in good shape. Every 3,000 miles you should get an oil change
  • Don’t drive sleepy – If you’re planning on driving for long stretches, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. You should also take food and rest breaks every few hours to keep your energy steady

After the commute from home to work, the goal of safety doesn’t end there. It’s important to stay safe at work to reduce your risks of injury and illnesses. BetterHealth offered their best tips for work safety, regardless of occupation:

  • Understand the risks – Knowledge of hazards in the workplace can reduce your risk of injury or illness
  • Reduce workplace stress – May be caused by heavy workloads, long hours, job insecurity, etc. and can lead toward depression and sleep deprivation
  • Take regular breaks – Staying fresh and attentive can keep you from burnout and help you with your most difficult tasks
  • Avoid stooping or twisting – rearrange your workspace so everything is within reach when you need it
  • Talk over any concerns – Reach out to your HR manager to ensure a safe working environment

As you can see, there are many different methods to stay safe in these three areas. Moreover, feeling safe in all areas of life is great for your mental health. If you’d like to learn more safety tips, you can always reach out to your R-Health doctor and receive great insight.

Craving NO More Tobacco

May 31st.  It marks the end of May, and it also observes World No Tobacco Day. There are many risks associated with tobacco use, and this day aims to highlight not only the threat it poses to one’s health, but also the effective strategies to limit tobacco consumption.

MedicinePlus broke down the numerous dangers related to tobacco and one’s health including:

  1. Heart and blood vessel problems – Blood clots, increased blood pressure, coronary artery disease
  2. Cancer – More likely in the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, etc.
  3. Infertility OR problems during pregnancy (early labor, low birth weight, etc)
  4. Tooth and gum disease
  5. Poor wound healing

Not to mention, much of your free time will be spent in doctor’s offices treating these conditions as a result of use. R-Health is always there for you when you need us to be, but having more healthy, free time…priceless.

As we know, there are different ways to tackle tobacco cravings. Previous posts confronted the idea of ways to commit yourself while on this journey to quit. For example, find a reason, develop a plan, and sticking with your plan to name a few. However, we’ll discuss a few ways to resist these cravings, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Nicotine replacement therapy – These replacement therapies can help overcome intense cravings. They are also safe to use in combination with nicotine patches.
    • Prescription nicotine in a nasal spray
    • Over the counter nicotine patches or gum
    • Prescription non-nicotine smoking medication
  1. Delay – If you’re feeling like you’re going to give into a tobacco craving, delay yourself. Tell yourself to wait 10 minutes, and in that time, distract yourself with something else.
  1. Chew on it – Give your mouth something to do whilst fighting the tobacco urge. Sugarless gum, hard candies, sunflower seeds, or even raw carrots.
  1. Don’t have ‘just one’ – It’s fool’s gold believing you can stop at just one early in the process. More often than not, one leads to another, and leads to another. Simply don’t engage.
  1. Get physical – Physical activity can not only distract you from cravings, but also lessen their intensity. Even short bursts of exercise like walking stairs or activities like painting, can help you with distraction.
  1. Practice relaxation techniques – Techniques such as yoga, massage, deep breathing exercises, and even calming music can have positive effects on your stress levels, which reduces your need to use.
  1. Go online for support – Join a stop-smoking program or read blog posts with positive thoughts reinforcing your will to quit.
  1. Remind yourself of the benefits – Ending your tobacco use not only will aid in you feeling better, being healthier, and saving money, but it also helps the environment around you.

There are countless techniques you can use to gradually be tobacco free. On this World’s No Tobacco Day, if nothing else, if interested in quitting smoking, or use of any tobacco products, please make that call to your R-Health doctor so they can not only share some helpful tips, but also serve as support during this process.