Masonicare At Newtown Goes Smoke-Free

As of September 1, the campus of Masonicare at Newtown on Toddy Hill Road is smoke-free. The new policy applies to patients and residents, staff and visitors.

The move to a smokeless environment began last October when interested Masonicare at Newtown employees formed a Wellness Committee. Dedicated to promoting free on-site health and wellness programs, its key focus from the start was to attain a smoke-free campus by September 1.

“The committee included the medical director of rehabilitation, staff nutritionist, and several employees from other departments,” said Tom Gutner, president.

In January 2009, the committee began promoting greater health awareness and services — all aimed at supporting a healthy lifestyle. Employee feedback was encouraged and information was provided by the Wellness Committee to answer any questions there might be on smoking cessation programs.

Local hospitals were also contacted to see how they attained their smoke-free environments.

Since then, two days of information were coordinated by the Wellness Committee at which Masonicare at Newtown’s health insurance provider, Cigna, addressed staff about awareness on smoking, second-hand smoke and how it affects not only their health but that of their loved ones. Smokers who signed up for the smoking cessation program offered through the insurance carrier received free counseling and other information to support them in achieving their goal.

In addition, Human Resources sent out weekly tips on smoking cessation.

Lorraine Kadar is a LPN at Masonicare at Newtown for the past ten years and has quit smoking.

“I was nervous at first. I have smoked for 38 years, but having the support and positive energy from co-workers made it possible. I can breathe better now, and I have more energy. I will never go back to smoking because I don’t want to give up how good I feel,” said Ms Kadar.

Masonicare at Newtown employs 290 people. An affiliate of Masonicare, it provides long-term care, short-term and outpatient rehabilitation, and both regular and special memory care assisted living services.