About this blog

Why I’m doing this
Studies show that having personal support, including via the Internet, makes a big difference when people are trying to quit smoking. Thinking about how to put this into practice for Trust members, it occured to me that in doing a blog about my smoking cessation effort, we could help each other quit.

I’ve been in communications for nearly 30 years, working in radio, for newspapers and magazines, and at advertising agencies before I came to the Trust in September 2005. Because of my background, the idea of doing this blog was also darned interesting professionally. (Will you follow the blog and write to it? Will you quit?)

There’s another reason why the blog seemed like a good idea. Writing about health care on a daily basis, I’m constantly exposed to information and tools that can help us quit. I’m also faced with all the reasons why it’s critical for me and you to lose the habit. (Yes, it can be really scary.)

The downside? I’m really in the spotlight on this effort, so I feel a lot of personal pressure to quit smoking and to help you quit smoking. Nothing like a little stress!

Why the Trust is letting me do this
I’m absolutely under no obligation to say good things about the Trust in this blog. However, I work here and know just how dedicated people at the Trust are to your (and my) health and well being. Also, when we quit smoking, our health care costs will be far lower in the long run. For these reasons, the Trust was willing to allow me a shot at doing this blog.