Are you trying to quit smoking in 2015? As with most resolutions, and maybe even more so, quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. Maybe it’s that you’ve tried quitting in the past and weren’t able to, or that smoking has become such a major part of your life that it seems impossible? Well, we hope to share some facts and tips from some great resources to help you on your path to (quitting) success.
In their “Five Secrets for Quitting Smoking in 2015,” the American Lung Association shares the encouragement that “It’s never too late to quit…Quitting smoking at any age will enhance the length and quality of your life.” For their full article, check out: www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact/top-stories/five-secrets-for-quitting-New-Year-2015.html
Facts About Smoking
According to the National Cancer Institute, “smoking harms nearly every organ of the body.” Check out this page (smokefree.gov/health-effects) for a list of ways smoking effects your health, and what happens to your body when you quit.
According to the American Lung Association, “Every year in the U.S. over 392,000 people die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke.” For more information, check out lung.org/stop-smoking/.
Tips to Quit
Here are 5 steps on how to “Prepare to Quit” from smokefree.gov*
1. | Prepare Yourself
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2. | Get Support
Tell Family and Friends You Plan to Quit Here are some conversation ideas:
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3. | Plan for Some Challenges
Quitting is hard! You will likely encounter some major hurdles along your path. Learn more about these potential challenges so you can anticipate and prepare for them. Here are a few things to be aware of:
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4. | Change Your Environment
Rid your environment of all things tobacco-related. Removing all signs of tobacco from your home, car, and workplace should help you reduce the urge to smoke. This includes things that smell like, or even remind you of, tobacco. Try some of these tips:
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5. | Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist About Quit Options
If you are having trouble, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other support options, for answers to your questions, advice, or the best places to get help. If you are considering trying any quit-smoking medications, make sure to consult a doctor or medical professional first. |
Support Resources
If you are local to the area, check out Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County at hcpfranklinpa.org for some great tobacco cessation tips like this “Tobacco Quitting Tips” article. HCP also offers a variety of tobacco-related programs for work sites and can review policies or offer on-site cessation programs for employees.
You can also register for their free upcoming community classes by calling
717-264-1470. Both classes start at 6:30 pm.
- Chambersburg: Starting February 17, 2015
- Waynesboro: Starting March 2, 2015
If you are not local to the area, try some of the below resources:
- Via National Cancer Institute (smokefree.gov):
• smokefreetxt: mobile text messaging service with 24/7 support • 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669): Your state quitline • 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848): National Cancer Institute • For more options: http://smokefree.gov/talk-to-an-expert - Via American Lung Association (lung.org):
• Freedom From Smoking® program or www.ffsonline.org • Call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872): American Lung Association Lung HelpLine and Tobacco QuitLine
Main source: National Cancer Institute via smokefree.gov
Smokefree.gov (smokefree.gov) provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.
Other Sources:
• | American Lung Association: lung.org | |
• | Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County: hcpfranklinpa.org | |
• | Wellness Coaches USA (using resources from lung.org and heart.org) |
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