Royal Purple

Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Alison Wisneski Quitting smoking can save students money and help them look and feel better.

It's unattractive. It's expensive. He's an active guy. His clothes reek after he comes home from the bars. These are just a few reasons why senior Dominic Baruzzini is one of the many college students trying to kick the habit of smoking cigarettes.

It all started 12 years ago when the mathmatics education major was 20.

"I went to parties and hung out with friends who all smoked," Baruzzini said. "I would have a cigarette now and then which eventually led to my usual cigarette smoking."

After a long night of bartending and trying to please his customers, Baruzzini has a cigarette to help him relax. Sometimes when he goes out with the guys, he smokes up to a half a pack in one evening.

Though it helps him relax and it's a social habit when he's out with friends, smoking doesn't make much sense to the Stoughton native anymore. He lifts weights, rides his bike, hikes and stays active in sports outside of school.

"I'm like a doctor who chews," Baruzzini said. "I know all of the ramifications and consequences of smoking, and I want to keep my body healthy by exercising, but I continue to smoke. It just doesn't make sense."

Though he once quit for four years by changing his drinking habits and diet, Baruzzini is still trying to find the best method for him so he can finally give up the bad habit.

With the help of the Free Quit Assistance that the University Health and Counseling Services offers, Baruzzini and other students on campus have the chance to quit smoking for good. To schedule an appointment, call the University Health Center at 262-472-1300. Health Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Students attend an individual session that lasts only 40 minutes. Professionals identify specific triggers for each student and develop a comprehensive quit plan encompassing several strategies.

Smoking Cessation Expert Judy Lembrich has three reasons she thinks students should try the Free Quit Assistance program. "First, smoking is one of the most expensive habits for students," she said. "The average person spends about $5 a day on cigarettes, which adds up, especially for college students."

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