Tips to Help You Quit Smoking for Good
By Shawna Cuda, Nurse Practitioner
What is the one thing that you can you do RIGHT NOW to instantly improve your health for the rest of your life? Did you guess correctly? That’s right — quit smoking for good!
Of course, we all know that smoking is dangerous, addictive, and expensive. But did you know that smoking is the single, largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world?
In honor of the Great American Smokeout on November 15, let’s take a fresh look at how to prepare for quitting success.
Here are some tips from the American Cancer Society.
Set a Quit Day – Pick the date and mark it on your calendar. Tell friends and family about your Quit Smoking Day and ask for support. Place a photo of a loved one under the cellophane wrapper of your pack to remind you why you are quitting.
Decide on a plan – this can include medications, classes, hypnosis.
Set up a support system – there are Smartphone apps, group programs or enlist a friend or family member who has successfully quit and is willing to help you.
Say goodbye to smoking – cigarettes may have been a relaxation to you, a comfort or a distraction, something that you could always count on to be around. Say hello to healthy habits that are better for you.
Stock up on oral substitutes – carrot sticks, cucumber slices, sugarless gum, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws, and toothpicks.
Get rid of all smoking materials – remove the cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays in your home, car, and at work. Ask friends and family not to smoke around you.
Practice the 6 D’s to help fight the urge to smoke – Delay for 10 minutes (repeat as needed), distract, deep breathe, drink water one sip at a time, discuss your feelings, do something.
Practice saying, “No thank you, I don’t smoke.” – embrace this new you.
Don’t quit quitting – it can take multiple attempts to quit but you can do it! Stay positive about your attempts and know that you are moving in the right direction.
To learn more about how to quit smoking for good, contact the staff at one of our offices. We are here to help!
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