The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Session helps those who want to kick habit
John Frederick Oberlin Homes hosted a session Jan. 10 to help people quit smoking.
The Oberlin Homes, 138 S. Main St., is owned by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, or LMHA.
The Housing Authority addressed a policy in May 2017 that all LMHA owned/ managed properties will be smoke-free as of May 2018, according to its website.
Smoking will be prohibited in all buildings, including tenant apartments.
Due to the smoking ban, the Housing Authority conducted a partnership with Mercy Health by inviting a guest to speak with tenants or others and inform them on how to quit smoking successfully, said Irvin Del Valle, Mercy Health social worker and certified tobacco treatment specialist.
During the session, Del Valle got to know all in attendance and learn their stories with smoking.
He shared facts on over 7,000 chemicals and nicotine inhaled into the body from a cigarette and how smoking can negatively affect one’s health.
Del Valle said there are other possible ways of having cigarettes and its smoke affect someone other than first or second-hand smoke.
In an instance where people who have moved into a home where the previous resident was a smoker, the chemicals and nicotine can
rest through the walls and carpet and still have an effect on someone, he said.
The effects of what smoking can do to your body, how you can become so invested mentally and financially as well as what it can do to your life, are other major points he covered.
After learning and sharing of other’s experiences with smoking, Del Valle said he was there to not only educate, but to promote an awareness of the tobacco sensation.
He said he wants guests to be introduced to a healthier lifestyle, beginning with the Oberlin Homes, and supply the residents with the information
to do so.
Many people know about smoking and that it’s not good for you, but more information can always benefit someone, Del Valle said.
Del Valle said quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do.
It’s common if people say they’ve tried to quit but couldn’t do it or if they develop a different habit because they don’t know how to handle it, he said.
Showing individuals different options in how to quit smoking and get the full support that one may need, has a better chance of giving someone that better lifestyle, Del Valle said.
“Sometimes, people
need that education to quit something,” he said. “(Many) say the combo of a nicotine placement, counseling either, one-on-one, or on the quit line or family and friends can be that support systems that helps you.”
Del Valle encouraged that as long as one is getting some sort support, they have a better chance in quitting.
However, the largest percentage of smokers who are successful at quitting other than some who try to quit cold-turkey without any help, gain support through counseling and replacement therapy, he said.
Del Valle said there is
support available to anyone who needs it and can be accessible right where you live.
Jason Wnek, a resident at the Oberlin Homes, said he started smoking at a very young age and did it for 42 years.
Wnek tried quitting smoking previously, but he said it did not last long.
After having difficulties breathing due to smoking, he decided to officially stop Aug. 1, 2016.
However, other than nicotine gum, he said he didn’t receive help through Mercy Health or other services.
“When you’re not getting enough oxygen in your system, that’s what made me want to quit,” Wnek said. “I remember having a cigarette and told myself that I can’t keep doing this anymore.”
Although it’s hard, with pure guts and determination, he said that’s how you take action. He said you just have to do it.
Wnek said he had instances where he wanted to smoke and would get very agitated and angry.
He said he had to remind himself that he liked breathing and he wanted to keep it that way.
To help his mind focus on his goal, he said he had to write a note to himself to look at everyday that says, “I like breathing.”
Now that Wnek hasn’t smoked a cigarette since he quit, he said he is saving money.
He added when he did smoke, he would get colds at least twice a year, but has not had one since.
Wnek said he attended the session to share his story with Del Valle and hoped that it would help others to quit.
“It’s really mind over matter,” he said. “That’s what it literally comes down too.
“You can’t do a little and think you’re fine; you have to keep going.”
The next sessions at Oberlin Homes are 1 p.m. or 6 p.m., Jan. 24. For any questions, call or text Elizabeth with LMHA Resident Services at 440752-0366 or Irvin at Mercy Health at 440-9893908.