Studies show that smoking speeds aneurysm growth by 20 to 25 percent a year. The faster an aneurysm grows, the greater the risk of a life-threatening rupture. An aneurysm is an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from weakening of the vessel wall.
Because of the proven health risks associated with smoking, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine will go tobacco-free Jan. 1. No smoking or use of tobacco products of any kind will be permitted on the grounds or facilities owned or leased by the Medical Center and College of Medicine.
To help employees adjust to the new policy, the Medical Center offers support and incentives for employees who choose to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco. Employees can join a free smoking-cessation program and earn points towards their health reimbursement arrangement by quitting tobacco and staying tobacco-free. To join a cessation class, call the Care Line at (800) 243-1455.
Discounted nicotine replacement therapies are available at the Medical Center pharmacy to employees and their spouses or domestic partners covered under the Medical Center’s medical plan. Individuals must work through the Medical Center’s medication management program to qualify for the discount.