Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 4 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Start new year by quitting smoking
Published Sunday, December 27, 2009
No one ever said quitting smoking was easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There is no time like the start of a new year to give it a try.
Here are several ways to make it a little bit easier on yourself.
First things first — Get help. “Nicotine is a very addictive drug that is difficult for even the strongest person to stop using,” said Roy Hart, director of the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Office of Tobacco Control. “Getting professional help can really increase your chances of successfully quitting. In fact, those who get help are twice as likely to quit using tobacco for good.”
Help is only a phone call away. Mississippians who want to quit using tobacco can access free tobacco cessation services by calling the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW. Tobacco users can receive counseling at no cost, and they may be eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine patch or gum.
Next, set a quit day. Select a date to stop smoking that is far enough in the future to make plans, but close enough that your quit date is near. New Year’s Day is a perfect quit day.
Make sure you put your quit day on your calendar where you will see it and remember the goal that you want to accomplish.
Avoiding triggers is another way to help yourself along your journey to a smoke-free life.
Avoid people and places that may trigger the urge to smoke. If you are invited to an occasion where you know people will be smoking, it may be a good idea to decline the invitations for now.
Substitute smoking with another activity; just try not to replace it with eating.
Try taking a walk, chewing gum or writing in a journal instead. Reward yourself in some way when you make it through a day without smoking. Buy yourself something nice with all of that money you saved by not lighting up.
Remember, the sooner you stop smoking, the sooner you and your family can start living a healthier life. For more information about tobacco cessation, call Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition of Adams and Jefferson counties at 6-1818-7748 or visit www. HealthyMS.com.
Paige Dickey is the director of Mississippi Tobacco Free coalition of Adams and Jefferson counties.
Comments
Posted by unc (anonymous) on December 27, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonder what will be on the tombstones of all these crusaders?
Will they say "I died of good health" or "I died of nothing?"
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on December 27, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
unc, I reckon you'll have to give up smoking to find out.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on December 27, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Crackbaby, I'll pray for you. Setting a date helped me out. I like the freedom and extra money.
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on December 28, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can do it crack. Just put them down and never pick them up again even for a tiny drag. Whenever you get the urge run around the block, do some exercise or drink a glass of water.
The human mind cannot hold a thought for long, and it cannot exist without thinking of something. All you have to do is put another thought in there and push out the urge.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)