Page 21 - StLV Guide 2017

You Can Quit Smoking!
You may
know that
there are health risks
to smoking yet still nd it hard to commit to quitting. Consider that the health risks of smoking are many and the bene ts to quitting are worth the e ort.
If you are preparing to quit, or even just thinking about it, make a list of all the reasons you want to quit and remind yourself of your reasons daily. ey can inspire you to stop smoking for good! Here are a few reasons you may want to add to your list:
Your Health And Appearance:
• Your risks for cancer, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, cataracts and other diseases will go down
• You will reduce your chances of having to return to the hospital
• You will breathe easier and cough less
• Your blood pressure will go down
• Your skin will look healthier, and your
teeth will look whiter
Your Lifestyle:
• Quitting will save you money
• You will be able to taste & smell food,
owers and other things better
• Your clothes will no longer smell
Your Loved Ones:
• You will be doing your part in protecting family and friends from the dangers of secondhand smoke
• If you’re not thinking about where and when to smoke, you’ll have more time to spend with loved ones and on things that matter.
Health risks from smoking are preventable, so make a plan to quit today.
Check out these resources for more information: cancer.org & smokefree.gov
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Get Ready, This is how to S.T. A. R.T !
SET a quit date.
TELL family and friends and
get their support.
ANTICIPATE the challenges of quitting like dealing with temptations, withdrawal, and cravings.
REMOVE cigarettes and other tobacco from your home‚
car‚ and work.
TALK to your doctor or pharmacist about options for quitting.
Your Quit Day
When you’re ready, here are
some tips to help you succeed:
• Tell your support group that this is the day you’ve decided to quit.
• Do not smoke, not even one pu !
• Keep active—exercise is a great way to occupy your mind and body.
• Drink lots of water and juices.
• Avoid situations where people are smoking.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Keep your mouth
busy with sugar- free
gum or candy.
to smoking, or you can look at what went
wrong then renew your commitment
to quitting for good!
FOCUS ON HEALTH-QUIT SMOKING!
Stay smoke-free!
Staying smoke-free is the most important stage of the process. Here are a few tips to help you stick to it.
• Remember your reasons for quitting and think of all the bene ts to your health, your nances, and your family.
• Remind yourself that there is no such thing as just one cigarette – or even just one pu .
• Ride out the desire to smoke. It will go away, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you can have just one.
• Avoid alcohol, it lowers your chance of success.
• Planahealthydietand ndways to exercise and stay active.
What if you slip up?
Here’s the di erence between a slip and a relapse: a slip is a one-time mistake that’s quickly corrected,
a relapse is going back to smoking. You can use the
slip as an excuse to go back