- 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
- Smokers, don't take your health for granted
Jan. 27, 2010
- Don't give up on goal to quit smoking
Jan. 9, 2010
- Helping others can help you become a non-smoker
Dec. 24, 2009
- Finding inner talents can aid the quit smoking process
Dec. 15, 2009
- Focus on gratitude, not craving a cigarette
Nov. 24, 2009
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Quit smoking blog
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July 14, 2009
Blog: Talk to your doctor about cessation drugs
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
The FDA recently announced a new warning that will be placed on the packaging of the prescription drugs Chantix (Varenicline) and Zyban (Bupropion,Wellbutrin). They are adding the alert to both of these tobacco cessation medications due to reports of behavior changes being associated with their use in some individuals, including depressed mood, hostility or agitation, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Although it's important to be aware of potential risks, I've found that the media coverage has been turning some people away from these medications, which have actually been helpful to many in reaching their goal of quitting smoking.
Both Chantix and Zyban are intended to minimize symptoms of withdrawal by mimicking the effects of nicotine in the brain, and in many cases they are effective. Since they don't contain nicotine, however, people who use them to stop smoking may still experience withdrawal symptoms. Some of the effects of nicotine withdrawal are the same as potential side effects from using Chantix or Zyban.
We know about half of all on-going smokers will die from tobacco-related diseases. The exact risks associated with the use of Chantix or Zyban aren't clear. It hasn't been proven that these medications actually cause abnormal behaviors, which is not to undermine concerns about adverse effects, but simply to make the distinction between association and causation.
The risks of continued smoking are high, and based on the FDA warnings, there are some risks of using Chantix or Zyban as well. The important thing is to talk with your doctor to evaluate your risks for using these medications. Compare them with the potential benefits of aiding you in becoming smoke-free, and then choose the best method for you.
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