Morneau Shepell Announces New Online Program to Help Kick Smoking Habit

User-friendly website makes it easier for Canadians to quit smoking

TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2011 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell Ltd., under the Shepell-fgi brand, is announcing an upgrade to its Stop Smoking Centre to help employees kick the smoking habit. This online component of its Smoking Cessation services now provides users with a more interactive experience and equips them with tips, tools and a support network of health care professionals and peers, available 24/7/365. Smoking Cessation services are offered as part of Shepell-fgi's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

"By delivering a robust program with more intuitive navigation and added features, we're putting the user in control," said Rita Fridella, Senior Vice-President and Chief Clinician, Operations at Shepell-fgi. "Whether you've tried to quit smoking in the past or are a first-time quitter, the program is customized to your unique requirements and preferences, making it easier for you to receive the right type and amount of support."

According to Statistics Canada, 5.7 million Canadians or 20.1 per cent of those aged 12 and older smoked either daily or occasionally in 2009. The figure was 22.6 per cent for males and 17.7 per cent for females. The World Health Organization says smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and other conditions.

The Stop Smoking Centre offers a Nicotine Dependency Test and Quit Meter that tracks one's quit date, the number of smoke-free days a person achieves, money saved by not buying cigarettes, and access to an online support group moderated by health care professionals. New enhancements to the program empower users to:

• quit on their own terms and their own schedule;
• complete exercises that bring them closer to their goal;
• get support from a "quit buddy" network; and
• reach milestones, overcome hurdles and earn rewards.

With this new version of the Stop Smoking Centre, Shepell-fgi continues to build on its position as a leader in digital innovation. In May, Shepell-fgi launched My EAP, a mobile application for the Apple and RIM families of mobile devices. The app, a first from an EAP provider, delivers interactive tools, support resources and access to EAP services via mobile devices to provide easy and effective access for people on-the-go.

Smoking dependency, like other health-related issues and addictions, has a significant impact on workplace productivity, and organizations stand to make significant gains by encouraging employees to quit. Morneau Shepell has also targeted its other employee-focused programs for enhancement including, Video Counselling, Stress Management, and Health and Wellness Resources. Identifiable by the slogan, 'your support line_online,' these upgrades demonstrate how the company is focused on better supporting clients' needs, and making support more accessible.

Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the largest Canadian-based firm offering industry-leading benefits and pension consulting, outsourcing, as well as health and productivity solutions. The company works with clients to develop innovative solutions that integrate with their business strategies to achieve results. Through Benefits and Health Solutions Consulting, Pension Consulting, Health Management, Administration Solutions and Shepell-fgi's Employee Assistance Program, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive positions by supporting their employees' financial security, health and well-being.

Established in 1962, Morneau Shepell has grown to serve over 13,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, it has offices in the United States and over 95 locations across Canada.

Morneau Shepell Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). For more information, visit www.morneaushepell.com.