- With Mayo Clinic behavioral counselor
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
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Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer Kern is a tobacco treatment specialist, certified through the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. Although her primary work is done as a counselor with the Mayo Clinic Tobacco Quitline, she also has experience working with patients in a face-to-face setting.
Being bilingual, she enjoys counseling in both Spanish and English. She holds a master's degree in psychology, with interests including: spirituality, psychosomatic illness, depression and anxiety, maladaptive coping behaviors, and overall health behavior change.
A native of Rochester, Minn., her work includes various aspects such as addressing the love-hate relationship many tobacco users have with their smoking or chewing, providing education about nicotine addiction, and offering effective strategies to help with quitting. In addition, she explores the importance of getting emotional and social support when stopping tobacco use, with ideas and suggestions about how to ask for and give this support in helpful ways.
She also enjoys volunteering with the Mayo Outreach to Students and Teachers Program through which she visits local area schools to talk with students about the perils of tobacco use. "As a former smoker, I am personally familiar with the complexity of dealing with a nicotine addiction," she said. This makes her work in schools and at the quitline particularly meaningful. "I am committed to helping others conquer this addiction so they may regain their freedom and possibly even save their own lives."
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Quit smoking blog
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Aug. 1, 2008
Strategies to help prevent weight gain
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
There are many lifestyle changes involved in stopping tobacco use. Some of these changes, if not managed along the way, can become obstacles for quitting and staying quit. One concern I hear people talk about is possible weight gain. To some, this is a very important issue that can influence their desire and ability to stop smoking.
On average, weight gain does not exceed 5-9 pounds over a 6-month period. However, many people feel that even this is too much for them. In order to minimize weight gain or avoid it altogether it is important to be aware of some of the reasons that people may gain weight when they quit.
- Many people seek another hand-to-mouth activity to replace the smoking — they start eating instead.
- Some people experience increased appetite when they quit. This can actually be a result of withdrawal — what feels like "hunger pains" is really a cigarette craving in disguise.
- Smoking delivers an instant gratification on a chemical level in the brain. It is not uncommon to seek alternate forms of pleasure, such as indulging in sweets and other "comfort foods" during the quit process.
- Having a cigarette typically requires going outside. This means getting up from the couch or away from the desk at work and walking to a smoking area. That activity done 10, 20, 30 times per day burns calories! Stopping smoking can mean stopping that extra physical activity as well.
So how do you prepare in advance to combat these factors? There are behavioral strategies you can employ throughout your quit process to get you through without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. Here are some ideas to help you brainstorm what might work for you:
- Use oral substitutes that are low calorie or sugar-free, such as suckers or chewing gum. If you like salty snacks, get nuts or seeds in the shell. This will satisfy cravings, keep your hands busy and lessen the chance of over indulgence.
- Keep non-edible substitutes handy, such as straws, tooth picks or cinnamon sticks.
- Drink water. Carrying a water bottle everywhere you go gives you something to play with in your hands and put to your mouth.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on fruits and veggies, good proteins and whole grains. Steer clear of fatty, high-calorie foods, including refined sugars and processed carbs that can lead to weight gain.
- Get active. Find something you can do and work it into your routine. This could be something as simple as stretching or walking.
Remember, it is important to find a variety of things that you enjoy and that you can stick with in order to make the lifestyle changes necessary to stay quit for the long run.
Please share your suggestions and experiences with us.
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