Thinking about calling it quits this year? What a great idea! Stopping smoking now can mean a healthier you for the rest of your life.
Some tips for kicking the habit:
• Have a plan of attack. If you set a quit date and tell people about your plan, you’re less likely to lapse back into smoking. Consider seeing a doctor who can advise you about possible medications to help you quit.
• Get support. Join a program that includes counseling. Studies show better success rates for people who receive group or individual counseling while they quit.
• Pick a good time to quit. Don’t try to quit around the holidays or at a stressful time.
• Keep temptation at bay. Throw away all tobacco products and ashtrays in the places you frequent: home, work, car, etc.
• This is a great time to pick up an exercise routine if you don’t already have one. Exercise can help alleviate the temporary negative effects of quitting smoking. Walking, yoga and strength training are all good options.
• Drink plenty of water.
Additional Resources:
American Lung Association, smoking cessation support:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22931
Government sponsored website to help people quit
http://www.smokefree.gov/
Centers for Disease Control – “You Can Quit Smoking”
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/you_can_quit/index.htm
American Cancer Society – Guide to Quitting Smoking
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp
American Legacy Foundation – Quit Plan
http://women.americanlegacy.org/quit/index.cfm
QuitNet: Online cessation program & community
http://www.quitnet.com/
WhyQuit.com: free online resource providing motivation, education & support for quitting
http://whyquit.com/
Surgeon General: “You Can Quit Smoking”
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/consquits.htm
QuitAssist: Information Resource from Philip Morris USA
http://www.philipmorrisusa.com/en/quitassist/index_flash.asp
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