All the discussion about sample bags got me to thinking about what kind of
response the hospital would get if other floors handed out "gift/sample
bags"

“Healthy Heart and Lungs Success” gift packs will be handed out on the
cardiac and respiratory floors.  They lovely red bags will be emblazoned
with the logo “M---oro” and contain Nic----te gum to help smokers stop,
free samples of cigarettes, literature from Phi---p M---is on how to stop
smoking, coupons for bacon, cigarettes, fast food plus a card to join the
cigarette company “Healthy Heart Club.”  When post-MI patients join the
club they will receive a monthly newsletter with stories and articles about
quitting smoking, exercise and living a healthier life as well as coupons
for free and cents off of tobacco products.

Initially the bag was to be given to those who had decided that they would
prefer to continue smoking for whatever reason, however there was some
concern that those who had chosen to quit smoking would be unhappy at not
receiving the gift pack. A decision was made to give the packs to all post
MI patients. If patients don’t want the sample packs they can throw them
out or donate them to a poor person who chooses to smoke and use the bag to
carry their medications and oxygen tubing. Hospital personnel were
instructed to present equal, balanced information on the advantages and
disadvantages of breathing clean air vs. smoking.  One health care provider
stated, “We support breathing clean air, but not smoking is hard and not
everyone can or wants to do it, I wouldn’t want to make them feel guilty
for choosing to smoke.”  Another health care provider stated, “I don’t know
how to help patients stop smoking, besides, I choose to smoke and I am
fine.”

There are a number of reasons a cardiac or respiratory patient might want
to smoke:
“It is more convenient to smoke”
“When I go to the bar, I might be embarrassed to not smoke”
“My mom and sisters couldn’t not smoke so I am sure that I won’t be able to
not smoke either”
“The last time I tried to not smoke I was so uncomfortable that I stopped
after 3 days”
“I only want to be smoke free for six weeks.”
“I plan on combining smoking and breathing clean air”
“If smoking were that dangerous, they wouldn’t have sent these samples home
with me”
“The doctor said that my clean air was contaminated, so he said to switch
to smoking”

If you are trying to quit smoking and would like a free sample bag please
sign below or visit our website at www.conflict-of-interest.com   Tongue
planted very firmly in cheek. ;-P

Tess

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