Avoiding Tobacco Use

Learning Outcomes

List the common health consequences of tobacco use
Understand the basics of tobacco dependence
Describe the benefits of quitting tobacco use
Identify evidence-based support services available for clients who wish to quit using tobacco

Why Do Coaches Need to Know This?

Tobacco use is one of the largest preventable lifestyle habits associated with death and chronic disease. It is linked to multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease, reproductive issues, and chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The product landscape of tobacco use is constantly changing, and the coach recognizes trends such as the recent popularity of e-cigarettes. The coach should be familiar with the support services available for clients who wish to stop smoking or using tobacco.

Understanding the Changing Landscape

Because of the changing landscape in tobacco products, as a Health Coach, you may encounter other tobacco products besides cigarettes. Here are some fact sheets that will help you to build your knowledge on tobacco products and their health consequences:

  1. Pre-Quiz
  2. Readings
    1. Why People Start Smoking and Why It’s Hard To Stop
    2. Smoking health effects
    3. Quitting smoking
    4. Prochaska, J.O., & Prochaska, J.M. (2016). Changing to thrive: using the stages of change to overcome the top threats to your health and happiness. pp 93-131.
  3. Activity 1
  4. Activity 2
  5. Post-Quiz and Reflection

Additional Resources:

  • Livingstone, J.B., Gaffney, J. (2016). Relationship power in health care: science of behavior change, decision making, and clinician self-care. pp 161-170 (Case study, contains web link with video session).
  • Dossey, B.M., Luck, S., & Schaub, B.G. (2015). Nurse coaching: integrative approaches for health and wellbeing. pp 136-137.