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GetFitTN is a statewide awareness program developed by Governor Phil Bredesen to address the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to diabetes, like obesity. This initiative is aimed at educating both adults and children that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented with modest lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and a healthier diet.
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Businesses Across Tennessee Ban Smoking Among Employees
1/27/2010
Hospitals across Tennessee are working to make the state a healthier place by banning tobacco use among employees.
Chattanooga’s Memorial Hospital is leading the charge by announcing it will no longer hire anyone who uses tobacco products. Potential hires will be subject to a nicotine test in addition to required drug testing.
Knoxville’s University of Tennessee Medical Center, Covenant Health, Mercy Health Partners, Blount Memorial Hospital and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital are expected to announce a similar ban on tobacco use soon. These hospitals are among a growing number of companies that will no longer hire tobacco users.
The new regulations make this the perfect time to quit. Regardless of how long you have smoked or used tobacco, studies show quitting has immediate benefits. Within 20 minutes of giving up tobacco, elevated blood pressure and pulse decrease; in two days, nerve endings regenerate; in two weeks, circulation improves; in one to nine months fatigue and shortness of breath decrease; and in one year, the risk of a heart attack is cut in half.
The Get Fit Tennessee web site offers several tools designed to motivate smokers to quit. The “Smoking Life Span Effect” calculator estimates how many years will be added to your life and the “Smoking Savings” calculator totals up the money you could save if you quit smoking today. There are also links and resources to help you on your journey to stop smoking including the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine (1-800-784-8669).
Get Fit Tennessee was developed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to address the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to diabetes, such as obesity. The initiative is aimed at educating both adults and children that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented with modest lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and eating healthier. For more information on Get Fit Tennessee, including free fitness and nutrition tools, visit www.GetFitTN.
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