- 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.
Her counseling work addresses various aspects of tobacco addiction, including the love-hate relationship many tobacco users have with their smoking or chewing, education about nicotine addiction, and effective strategies to help with quitting.
In addition, she explores the importance of getting emotional and social support when stopping tobacco use, and offers ideas and suggestions about how to ask for and give this support.
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.
"As a former smoker, I am personally familiar with the complexity of dealing with the 'tobacco shackles,' " she said. "I am committed to helping others conquer this addiction so they may regain their freedom and possibly even save their own lives."
Latest entries
- Focus on gratitude, not craving a cigarette
Nov. 24, 2009
- Join the Great American Smokeout
Nov. 17, 2009
- Preparation key to quitting smoking
Nov. 5, 2009
- Learning to be a non-smoker
Oct. 23, 2009
- Build confidence in effort to go smoke-free
Oct. 16, 2009
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Quit smoking blog
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April 17, 2009
Why do you want to quit tobacco?
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
In talking with people like you about becoming smoke-free, everyone seems to have their own motivation to stop using tobacco. The main reason seems to be for health, whether it's facing an immediate illness or wanting to avoid the risks down the road.
Some of you aren't as concerned with your own health as with that of loved ones. For example, pregnancy can be a strong motivator for women to quit smoking. When it comes to family, I hear a lot of parents expressing concern for the example they set for their children, so for them becoming a non-smoker is part of being a good role model. I've even heard some people express concern for their pets' exposure to secondhand smoke.
For others, the incentive is financial. With the rising costs of maintaining a tobacco addiction, coupled with the current economy, many people would rather put their money someplace more useful or rewarding than in their ashtrays.
I'd like to hear more about what's on your mind. What are the things, people or circumstances in your life that make becoming a non-smoker important to you?
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