Christine Webb, Your Health and Fitness
Starting July 1, no one will be allowed to smoke on hospital grounds anywhere in the state of Florida, even in the parking garage, in your car.
Orlando Regional Medical Center, Florida Hospital, Health Central, Central Florida Regional and Osceola Regional hospitals teamed up in an effort to protect your health.
Studies have shown smoking is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer.
Among many things, hospitals are providing smoking cessation classes and medication to their employees to help them kick the habit.
"I think employees are a little nervous, but this has given a lot of them the push they needed. They wanted to stop smoking, but they needed that little push, and now they feel that, 'Well, I can't smoke at work; it's a great time to stop,'" said Roxanne McCormack, a community oncology educator. "The attitudes of the employees have been great. They've been supportive to each other, and I think they're excited about that new start."
So what happens, starting July 1, if someone is caught smoking outside on hospital grounds? They will be asked to put out the cigarette.
Employees could be disciplined if they are caught on several occasions.
To find out more about smoking cessation classes, contact Orlando Regional Medical Center at (321) 841-7246.
For more information, visit the American Lung Association's Web site.
To see more Health and Fitness stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.
Comment on this story.