Smoking Winston cigarettes has been known to be a common practice among college students and adults. It can be used as a way to relax and wind down from a stressful day of classes, homework or life in general. The truth is, smoking is becoming a habit that some campuses are hoping to eliminate completely.
According to CNN, the University of Kentucky has recently taken a stand against tobacco use on its college campus. The efforts toward creating a smoke-free campus was part of a “Tobacco free—Take Action!” movement spread across 500 campuses throughout the U.S., which became effective July 1.
UW-Green Bay is not banning smoking on campus any time soon, but continues to remind students of the policies to be followed and alternatives to lighting up another cigarette.
According to the UWGB student handbook, students are only allowed to smoke outside of the buildings at the locations containing tall ashtrays. Students must also stay at least 30 feet away from the buildings.
These designated locations include the north entrance near Student Services, the east entrance near the Kress Center, the west entrance near the University Credit Union, the north entrance by MAC Hall and the southwest entrance near the library and Garden Cafe.
“At the locations where students do gather to smoke, there is a mess of cigarette butts,” said Brenda Amenson-Hill, dean of students. “If people do not follow the policy of being 30 feet away from the building, you sometimes have to walk past or through where people are smoking and pick up the secondhand smoke.”
There are many options available for students who are planning to quit smoking. The nurses and counselors are available in the Counseling and Health Center.
The staff in the Counseling and Health Center can discuss the habit with the student and help them get in touch with national quit lines, as well as additional programs, products and advice.
“I want people to know that they can always come and see a nurse or counselor for free,” said Amy Henniges, Counseling and Health Center director. “Sometimes by working with a counselor too, people can get a better understanding of what their other lifestyle options are or how they can work on an action plan toward quitting.”
In November, UWGB will be providing students with the opportunity to attend the “Great American Smoke Out” program that will help create awareness that can help students to cut back on their smoking or quit.
“We do the program as an awareness factor to encourage people to consider quitting or cutting back or if they know someone who smokes, to get them information to help stop smoking,” said Jennie McNeill, student health nurse.
Other proactive options students can participate in to help ease the desire to smoke could be anything from eating a healthy meal to exercising.
The Kress Events Center offers a variety of fitness programs that are free for students to become involved with. One such program popular among students is Zumba. There is also the option of seeking personal training at $15 per session. Each session runs for about an hour.
“Don’t think about it, just quit,” said Chrisanna Colletta, fitness coordinator, Kress Center. “Whether you tell yourself you can or you can’t, you’re right either way. So, tell yourself you can do it and just quit. There are so many alternatives to a healthy lifestyle for them to take. Both the financial and physical aspects of smoking are completely destructive.”
