Cigarette smoking is associated with a wide variety of adverse health effects.1 In fact, >480,000 people die each year in the United States because of cigarette smoking. It is linked to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and other increased health risks. The following tips are ways that you and your patients can quit smoking2:
1. Recognize an Oncoming Flare
As a first step to quitting smoking, write down why you want to do it (eg, is it to improve your health, or so that you can be with your loved ones long-term?). Identifying why you really want to quit will motivate you to stop smoking.
2. Talk to Your Healthcare Professional
Once you have decided that you want to quit smoking, talk to your physician or a trusted healthcare professional and identify a method for quitting that will work best for you.
3. Don’t Smoke Any Cigarettes
When you start your smoking cessation program, quit smoking cigarettes altogether. Each cigarette you smoke damages your lungs, blood vessels, and cells throughout your body.
4. Don’t Give In
Quitting smoking takes time and commitment. Be prepared to experience feelings of nicotine withdrawal, and find coping mechanisms to handle symptoms such as bad moods and the desire to smoke.
5. Focus on the Benefits
Remember, taking steps to quit smoking is great news. It is the single most important step you can take to protect your health, and the health of your family.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health effects of cigarette smoking. www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/#cancer. Updated March 17, 2016. Accessed June 22, 2016. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quit smoking. www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/quit_tips/index.htm. Updated March 17, 2016. Accessed June 22, 2016.
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