Smoking cessation

Use the three steps below to begin your journey to Best Health.


1. Know this
 

If you’re reading this, you may be thinking about quitting smoking or making a plan to quit. You probably already know that smoking is bad for your health and that quitting will reduce your risk of getting a disease related to smoking, such as heart or lung disease. Smokers, on average, die 13 to 14 years sooner than people like them who are not smokers.

Most people don’t think about when or why they smoke. Perhaps you smoke:

  • To relieve tension, especially after arguments or during stressful times, or when you feel angry, depressed, or upset.
  • To control your weight, either by keeping it down or because you’re afraid of weight gain if you quit.
  • To be part of the group, by joining your friends in having a cigarette.



2. Do this
 

When it comes to quitting smoking, some people find it helpful to plan ahead. Here are some things to consider to help you succeed:

  • Get ready. Contact your doctor to learn about medicines and to find out what kinds of help are available in your area for people who want to quit smoking..
  • Get support. You will have a better chance of quitting successfully if you have help and support from your family, friends, and coworkers.
  • Learn new skills and behaviors. Since you won’t be smoking, decide what you are going to do instead.



3. Use this
 

Check out the following Best Health offerings to help you quit smoking.

  • Smoking cessation health coachingEnroll in free health coaching and work one-on-one with a Best Health Coach.  
  • Online smoking cessation Workshop – Learn about the risks of smoking and how to take steps to quit smoking.
  • Online resource guide – Access wellness tools, resources, join a workshop, and find a support group.

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Source: Healthwise. Quitting Smoking. Medical Reviewer: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & John Hughes, MD – Psychiatry. © 1995-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated. Last Revised 9/9/14.