In an attempt to help students embrace healthier habits, Cabrillo College has partnered with Cyan, a California-based organization, to distribute smoking cessation kits to students looking to kick the habit. These quick kits are designed to make quitting easier–and a little more fun, with resources available in both English and Spanish.
Claudia Peixoto, the health educator at Student Health Services, is a big supporter of the initiative.
“It’s more common than we think. I see a lot of smoking on campus, especially vaping,” she shared.
To help students make a positive change, the kits include tools like lollipops for sensory cravings and fidget toys to keep hands busy.
But quitting smoking isn’t just about breaking a habit; it’s about replacing it with something better.
“It’s always best to slowly reduce and replace it with a healthier habit,” said Peixoto.
“Also, seeking support—whether it’s quick kits, meeting with counseling, or having an accountability partner, can make a huge difference.” She added.
Recognizing stress as a major trigger for smoking, Peixoto highlighted how the cessation kits are designed to help manage those moments of tension.
“A lot of the time, we pick up that vape because we’re stressed out,” she explained. “These kits help by offering tools to cope with stress and build resilience,” Peixoto added.
Peixoto reminds students that smoking is more harmful than it seems:
“It’s something we don’t need to put into our bodies. It’s an illusion of reducing stress and anxiety, but over time, it actually increases anxiety.”
Through these efforts, the college is creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to quit smoking and create healthier lifestyles. So, if you’re interested in quitting, grab a kit, join the journey, and take one more step toward a smoke-free future.
