If the ex-smoker is a partner or very close friend, be aware of relapse prevention. Relapse is most likely when an exsmoker has been drinking, is feeling depressed or angry, has high levels of stress or is experiencing interpersonal conflict. Continue reading…
Archive for July, 2012
Supporting quitters
Let’s say a close friend or family member has decided to quit. What can you do now to provide support during this critical period? Be understanding about the withdrawal effects your friend may be going through. If the ex-smoker is a family member, he or she may even be difficult to live with for a while. Continue reading…
Successful behavior change occurs when a person feels a sense of control and gains confidence. Forget about smoking for a minute, and think back to the last time you were criticized by a friend or family member. Maybe someone asked you to become neater, a better listener or more punctual. Maybe they pointed out a mistake you made or a weakness in your character. Continue reading…
A hard habit to break
The first step in encouraging a smoker to quit is to understand and acknowledge that smoking can be a hard habit to break. Smoking is a powerful psychological and physiological addiction. Continue reading…
“I’d really like to get my sister interested in working out with me,” one of your clients tells you. “I think hanging around the fitness center with people who care about their health would help convince her to quit smoking. I probably bug her too much, but what else can I do? I can’t stand watching her smoke herself into an early grave.” Continue reading…
Look beyond your staff to your members for further waste-elimination opportunities. And be sure to communicate to members where you are making changes. Nurture efficient club usage from members and guests. This could be as simple as enlarging the welcome mat so more dirt and dust is kept out of the facility. Continue reading…
Creating an environment of supportive communication in your facility will improve morale, reduce turnover and make first-class customer service the rule rather than the exception. Supportive communication is communication that addresses any existing problems while preserving the underlying trust and positive relationships between people. Continue reading…
Helping someone you love deal with diabetes is often difficult and requires a delicate balance of encouragement and support. Type 2 diabetes is an extremely serious disease that requires daily self-management. But controlling diabetes can make a huge difference in a person’s quality of life. Continue reading…
With the changing demographics of health club members, and with the U.S. population reaching older ages, the “usual” way of running a fitness business may no longer be the best way. Now, members are seeking amore holistic wellness approach, rather than the old strictly fitness approach. Continue reading…
In 1964, the Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health tilted the battlefield in favor of reducing tobacco smoking and improving the health of the American people. Sometime in the next couple of months of 1996 (probably in late May or early June), the first U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health will be released to the public. Continue reading…
