- With Mayo Clinic behavioral counselor
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
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
- 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
- Goal-setting helps smooth way to smoke-free future
Oct. 1, 2009
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Quit smoking blog
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Nov. 17, 2009
Join the Great American Smokeout
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Challenge yourself to quit using tobacco on Great American Smokeout day, and you just might change your life. continue
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Nov. 5, 2009
Preparation key to quitting smoking
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
When you think about quitting smoking, consider the preparation steps you'll need to take to have the success you desire. continue
4 comments -
Oct. 23, 2009
Learning to be a non-smoker
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
The transition to becoming a non-smoker typically takes more than just a few weeks. continue
8 comments -
Oct. 16, 2009
Build confidence in effort to go smoke-free
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Breaking through limitations in one aspect of your life can have a surprisingly powerful effect on how you view yourself in other areas of your life. continue
4 comments -
Oct. 1, 2009
Goal-setting helps smooth way to smoke-free future
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Set specific goals to help reach the big one — a smoke-free future. continue
4 comments -
Sept. 23, 2009
Quitting smoking takes an inner-outer world shift
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
It takes time to change your inner self in the quest to quit smoking. continue
8 comments -
Sept. 15, 2009
Temptation
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
It's natural to feel tempted to smoke but take the opportunity to think about your vulnerabilities and how to fortify your resolve. continue
5 comments -
Sept. 4, 2009
Don't think failure when quitting smoking
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
There's no such thing as failure in the struggle to quit smoking. continue
5 comments -
Aug. 22, 2009
Selecting your smoke-free date
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Set yourself up for success when you pick a day to go smoke-free. continue
3 comments -
Aug. 7, 2009
The language of going tobacco-free
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Talk about quitting smoking as if it's happening now, and your chances for success might increase. continue
5 comments -
Aug. 4, 2009
The emotional aspects of quitting smoking
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Comfort and familiarity hurdles to overcome in quitting smoking. continue
13 comments -
July 24, 2009
Finding substitutes for cigarettes
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
One key to quitting smoking is finding an alternative to cigarettes. continue
8 comments -
July 21, 2009
Tobacco Control Act
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
New law gives U.S. government stronger hand in tobacco production, marketing. continue
13 comments -
July 14, 2009
Talk to your doctor about cessation drugs
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Tobacco cessation drugs carry some risks. Talk to your doctor about the benefits vs. the risks. continue
5 comments -
July 7, 2009
Is sneaking a smoke cheating?
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
When you're trying to quit smoking, is it too harsh to call it cheating when you have a slipup? continue
14 comments -
May 15, 2009
Honoring self-promises
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Making the transition to non-smoker requires a deep commitment to self. continue
18 comments -
April 17, 2009
Why do you want to quit tobacco?
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Whether it's health, financial or concern about a loved one, everyone has their own reason for wanting to quit tobacco. continue
21 comments -
March 24, 2009
Thirdhand smoke another danger
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Tobacco toxins linger long after smoking. continue
29 comments -
Feb. 13, 2009
Protect yourself from secondhand smoke
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Limit your exposure to the toxins from secondhand smoke. continue
29 comments -
Jan. 15, 2009
Gradual change key to quitting smoking
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
If you want to achieve that resolution to quit smoking, make gradual changes in your life. continue
31 comments -
Dec. 20, 2008
Staying quit during the holidays
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Plan in advance to avoid smoking relapse during hectic holiday season. continue
9 comments -
Nov. 26, 2008
Quitting tobacco: A blessing this holiday season
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
The holiday season reminds us to be thankful for becoming smoke-free. continue
18 comments -
Nov. 19, 2008
Tobacco use and mental health
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Be aware of depression, mood disorders when you quit smoking. continue
15 comments -
Oct. 25, 2008
With nicotine addiction, just one puff puts you on the slippery slope
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Knowing how nicotine affects your brain will help you understand how nicotine addiction works. continue
30 comments -
Sept. 25, 2008
Tips for supporting someone who's quitting tobacco
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Be patient, positive and understanding when offering support to someone who's quitting tobacco use. continue
14 comments
