With over 30,000 Square feet of facilities, Healthy East Chicago, Inc. (HEC) offers a variety of health and human services under one roof. HEC also provides a number of monthly health education and screening programs sponsored by a variety of community agencies. The Foundations of East Chicago sponsors programs that cover a wide range of subjects designed to help the community grow, share and learn. In East Chicago, improving and maintaining the health of the community is always a major priority. In order to meet the demand for services, the Foundations of East Chicago provides funds for the salaries of two certified trainers for the East Chicago Fitness Center.  Funds have also been provided for the purchase of new, state-of-the-art equipment for the facility, located at 1100 W Columbus Drive in East Chicago.

After joining, members of the facility are invited to work with the facility’s trainers to design a personal wellness program.  As part of a personal wellness program, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is high among common goals, but this goal becomes even more urgent for the individual who is trying to quit smoking. Check out the following smoking cessation tips below:

Make the decision

To quit smoking is tough but necessary if you plan to pursue an exercise regimen and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Quitting smoking can be hard for weeks, months or sometimes even years. Therefore, celebrating one day, one week and one month without smoking can enhance one’s personal motivation to continue abstaining.

 

Be Patient

Sometimes, quitting smoking can lead to emotional mood swings. Be patient. Bad moods are part of part of overcoming physical addiction. They will pass, usually within a few days.

 

Engage in non-smoking activities

Try and engage in non-smoking activities such as working out at the East Chicago Fitness Center. It’s hard to smoke (or think about smoking) when you are being physically active. Also, try hanging out in places where smoking is not allowed, such as in museums, indoor malls or movie theaters. Avoid bars and parties or other common places where people can usually be found smoking.

 

Be prepared for slips

Quitting for good can take several attempts. If you slip, don’t be too hard on yourself.  Instead, say to yourself “It’s okay. I know I can do it. It just takes time.”

 

For more information about smoking cessation, visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm

 

For more information about joining the East Chicago Fitness Center or questions about the facility, contact the Fitness Center director, Coach Richard Peterson and staff at 219.391.4039.

 

To receive additional updates about how the Foundations of East Chicago is working to sustain the health of the community through its many supported programs and initiatives, find us on Facebook (facebook.com/foundationsec) or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/foundationsec).