I"m not up to date reading all my digests but I don't remember having
seen this here and I knew
it would be appreciated!

Ilene Fabisch, IBCLC
Brockton, MA

>> A SATIRE ABOUT "GIFT BAGS" THAT HOSPITALS GIVE OUT.
>>
>> (What if other areas of the hospital started giving out "gift bags" just
>> like obstetrics?)
>>
>> 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-heart attack 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
>> 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 dad and brothers couldn't quit so I am sure that I won't be able to
>> quit smoking either"
>> "The last time I tried to quit I was so uncomfortable that I switched to
>> smoking
>> 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 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 ww.conflict-of-interest.com
>> Tongue planted very firmly in cheek. ;-P
>>

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