World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2015 is the perfect time for you or your loved one to quit smoking.World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2015 is the perfect time for you or your loved one to quit smoking.
The World Health Organization states that among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. The risks and dangers can be found in an informational e-packet here: https://www.ithaca.edu/hr/benefits/wrklife/healthEpackets/?item=7429.
Counseling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed. Take the necessary steps below when you or someone you love begin the process to quit smoking on World No Tobacco Day.
Think About It
Tobacco kills more Americans each year than alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined. The most common diseases caused by smoking include heart disease and stroke, cancers, and emphysema. Smokers are more likely to get colds and flu, have shortness of breath, get cataracts, and have yellow teeth, high blood pressure and so much more. Smoking does not only affect you but it affects your children, other adults, and family pets.
Plan a Quit Date
Are you planning to quit soon? Put together a tool box to help you prepare to quit for good! First, you need a desire to quit as well as a visit to your doctor for support and advice. Next, list your reasons why you want to quit. Grab a calendar and mark your quit date. Make a list of supportive family members and friends as well as solutions for triggers that could lead you back to smoking. Make a plan for getting rid of ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Lastly, make an exercise plan with your doctor’s approval.
Learn About Medications
Today, smokers don’t have to tough it out alone. New medications and some over-the-counter prescriptions can help you take the edge off of nicotine withdrawal. Check with your insurance to see if these medications are covered and talk with your doctor or health care provider about prescription medications. You could try nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalers, nicotine spray, and prescription medicines like Chantrix or Zyban.
What to Expect When You Stop Smoking
When you begin to quit smoking, you may have side effects that last a few days to a week. These include, coughing, tightness in chest, mouth sores, dizziness, and cravings. Side effects that could last a little longer include change in sleep, feeling irritable, lack of concentration, and weight gain. Talk with your doctor or health care provider if these last longer than you think is normal.
For more information on tobacco and World No Tobacco Day, visit: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs339/en/
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20150310092948191