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Be aware of ID, property theft For more information about identity theft, personal safety and property security information, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 in the Children’s Hospital lobby. by Lt. Tim Bussey MUSC Public Safety In this day and age, property theft is on the rise. In addition to theft are the associated assaults that may occur. Vigilance and knowledge of the surroundings is the key to a safe and secure environment.   The workplace is increasingly vulnerable due to the vast numbers of individuals passing through the doors each day. The campus is open to the general public, and the large amount of personal items left unattended become easy targets. Take the time to look around, as the workday passes by, at the items of value in your work area. Take a more active role ensuring that items of value are properly secured and out of sight.   The 1990s brought an increase in identity theft; therefore, the thief now steals your identity along with your property. Credit cards, checkbooks, social security cards, addresses, phone numbers, etc., are all lucrative items for the identity thief. He can take these items, assume your identity, and open accounts in your name. Ensure items are protected in the work area.   Additional information on identity theft can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Weekly tips from the Healthy S.C. Challenge Healthy S.C. Challenge is a results-oriented initiative created by Gov. Mark Sanford and first lady Jenny Sanford to motivate people to start making choices that can improve health and well-being. Visit http://www.healthysc.gov. Tobacco For most addicted smokers, the addiction is half mental, half physical. The physical portion of the addiction is nicotine. As to the mental or psychological aspect, a smoker’s conscious mind says, ‘I will stop smoking — no problem.’ But the unconscious mind has been conditioned for years that cigarettes give pleasure, and that’s all it can focus on. The unconscious mind says, ‘Gimmie a cigarette — now!’ It only recognizes what feels good. It demands a cigarette, without regard to right or wrong. Aversion therapy is one way to help counteract this. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, July 20, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.