Smoking

Since 2008, smoking has been prohibited within all facilities of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Rijeka. This means that smoking by staff and students is not permitted on or within 20 meters of the Faculty premises. Under the 2008 Act and its amendments within the Act on Restrictions on the Use of Tobacco and Related Products from 2019, smoking of tobacco and related products, herbal products as well as the use of electronic cigarettes with or without nicotine filling and water pipes are prohibited in all enclosed public spaces.

This change supports the Faculty’s commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy environment for its community and visitors.

Our smoking ban policy brings us in line with the CIPH policy, which requires that all our facilities be non-smoking. In addition, the sale of tobacco products is also prohibited at the Faculty.

Students and staff who need help or support to quit smoking can contact the CIPH at https://www.hzjz.hr/en/contact-us/

The university period, like any other period in one’s life, brings about various problems and challenges. Some of these can easily be overcome, either on one’s own or with the help of family and friends but sometimes, we may be faced with problems that greatly interfere in our everyday lives and require professional support.  The University Office for Psychological Counseling within the University Counseling Center offers professional psychological assistance and support to students and other members of the University of Rijeka in order to improve their quality of life and increase the efficiency of their studies.

More about the Psychological Counseling Center at the University of Rijeka at:

https://uniri.hr/en/university-and-community/university-counseling-center/

We are aware that the ban of smoking presented a significant change for some members of our community. We therefore ask all our employees and students to help us implement the policy, and invite them to contribute to this cause by giving suggestions and discussing potential issues. Here are just some of the issues:

Why is smoking not allowed within 20 meters of the Faculty?

The responsibility of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Rijeka, under the 2019 Act on Restrictions on the Use of Tobacco and Related Products, is to limit our community's exposure to secondhand smoke.

What about e-cigarettes?

The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in any of the Faculty’s facilities, or anywhere close to the entrances or air channels where their emissions may enter the facilities. The use of this category in enclosed public places is banned pursuant to the new 2019 Act.

Where can people smoke?

We primarily encourage all smokers to consider quitting smoking. However, under the non-smoking policy, the people that choose to smoke, may do so outside the Faculty’s premises at a distance greater than 20 meters from the premises.

As our facilities are close to residential buildings and the Mijo Mirkovic High School of Economics, we kindly ask the staff and students to consider the health and well-being of our neighbors. Moreover, in the Faculty’s vicinity, there are several coffee shops where smoking is allowed.

Why has the Faculty opted to implement this policy?

The reason behind it is not just because it is prescribed by law. We believe that it is our duty to work towards the well-being of our staff and students. Moreover, the Faculty of Economics and Business Rijeka is dedicated to creating and maintaining a healthy environment for all.

Exposure to tobacco smoke either through smoking or breathing secondhand smoke is one of the largest single causes of death and illness in the Republic of Croatia. Smokers are at a higher risk of a reduced life expectancy and are more prone to suffer from severe and incurable diseases.

In addition, secondhand smoke can be uncomfortable for other members of the community, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

Quit smoking in 12 steps

If you are ready to accept the challenge and stop smoking, we suggest the following steps. Do not skip any of them as they are simple, easy to understand, easy to apply and effective.

Step 1:  DETERMINE THE MAJOR ADVANTAGE OF NON-SMOKING FOR YOU

This decision is your first step on the road to non-smoking. Maybe you want to improve your odds when it comes to your health, maybe you want to contribute to your family’s health, maybe you want to save money, or you just don't want to be addicted to cigarettes any longer. Identify the benefits of non-smoking for you and think of those you find most important. Consider all forms of benefits, i.e. physical, social, emotional and financial.

Don't be upset if you think you're not strong enough to get rid of your cigarettes forever. Think again about your reasons for and against smoking.

Step 2: SET A QUIT DAY

Choose a date that is neither too soon nor too late so that you have just the right amount of time to prepare yourself and to not fall into temptation to postpone the realization of your decision. Choose the date to have your last smoke. Endure in your decision and respect it!

Step 3: PREPARE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY FOR SMOKING CESSATION

Successful smoking cessation requires a good physical condition, as it allows for a quicker release of harmful tobacco smoke components, especially nicotine and carbon monoxide. Here are some guidelines for you to follow: drink plenty of water (about six to eight glasses) throughout the day, sleep 7 to 8 hours each night, have a good breakfast whenever possible and take every opportunity to take a walk in the fresh air.

Step 4: PREPARE YOURSELF PSYCHOLOGICALLY FOR SMOKING CESSATION

You need to prepare yourself in advance and learn how to say no when someone offers you a cigarette. Prepare in advance for high-risk situations in which you will be tempted to re-light a cigarette - places where there are many smokers, situations where you feel under stress, drinking alcohol or coffee, feelings of hunger, anger or boredom. Present yourself in detail as a person who strives to be a non-smoker. Do your best to make that vision a reality.

Step 5: PLAN YOUR REWARDS TO MOTIVATE YOU

If you quit smoking, you deserve a reward, so reward yourself regularly. Use the money you would have otherwise spent on cigarettes to buy something you love. Rewards are stimulating and they will remind you that you are doing something great and worthwhile. Choose a reward you will give yourself for meeting specific goals: one week of non-smoking, one month of non-smoking, 3 months of non-smoking, etc.

Step 6: QUIT SMOKING WITH A SMALL CEREMONY

Remove everything that associates you with smoking - destroy all cigarettes, pipes, lighters, smoking accessories, ashtrays ... Tell your friends and family that you are breaking off all connections with your worst enemy, the cigarette. Celebrate this occasion, but without any alcohol.

Step 7: EAT AND DRINK TO WIN

Eat only healthy, freshly prepared food. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Avoid high calorie foods. Your physical and mental fitness depend on the food you bring into your body. Drink plenty of liquid - water or soft non-carbonated drinks with low sugar content. Avoid white sugar, use natural sugar from fresh fruits and whole wheat grains. If you eat meat – opt for leaner meat and eat plenty of fish.

Step 8: FIND TIME FOR REST AND RELAXATION

Regular exercise effectively helps in smoking cessation. Find a quiet place, settle down in a comfortable chair dressed comfortably. Enjoy a night's sleep that lasts seven to eight hours. Don't miss your weekly rest. Make sure you relax and take a break from your daily routines at least once a week. 

Step 9: USE YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

Step 10: SUPPRESS YOUR DESIRE TO SMOKE

1. Drink a glass of water or juice.

2. Take in five deep breaths (slowly).

3. Go for a walk.

4. Practice relaxation techniques.

5. Count backwards, starting at 100.

6. Take up an interesting hobby.

7. Brush your teeth using peppermint toothpaste.

8. Take a shower alternating hot and cold water.

9. Chew on a carrot or celery.

10. Nibble some sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

11. Take a chewing gum (no sugar).

12. Call a friend to help you.

13. Have a glass of milk.

14. Repeat until you calm down your decision: "I want to be smoke free!"

15. Look at the clock and delay cigarette smoking for at least one minute, then for another and another ... for at least five minutes.

 Step 11: IF YOU HAVE SLIPPED AND HAD A CIGARETTE, SIMPLY START FROM THE BEGINNING

Having a cigarette during your withdrawal should not become a hindrance in your smoking cessation. The path to smoking cessation is always slippery and there will be falls, but strive to win! You haven’t lost your way - you have just taken a detour.

STEP 12: DO NOT FORGET "IT IS A DOUBLE VICTORY"!

Share your experience with others. Help them in times of crisis by sharing with them your pitfalls and the ways you have overcome them. Ask your peers not to smoke around you. 

More details at:

http://www.stampar.hr/en/department-mental-health-and-addiction-prevention-0