Tobacco Cessation Programs Work
Why should you quit smoking and how can you do it?
Smokers have a higher risk of getting coronavirus because they are constantly putting their hands to their lips.
And then, if they get coronavirus, they run a greater risk of getting a severe case because their lung function is impaired.
Quit today to reduce these risks and start living a healthier life.
Quick tips to curb your cravings:
- Delay: Delay as long as you can before giving in to your urge.
- Deep breathing: Take 10 deep breaths to relax yourself from within until the urge passes.
- Drink water: Drinking water is a healthy alternative to sticking a cigarette in your mouth.
- Do something else to distract yourself: Take a shower, read, go for a walk, listen to music!
There are many resources within your own community.Programs are available for you to attend in-person,
by telephone, or online. Look for a program that is led by someone who has had training in helping
people quit smoking.
The ideal in-person smoking cessation programs:
· Have at least 4 to 7 sessions that include self-help materials and individual or group counseling.
· Have sessions that last at least 20 to 30 minutes.
· Last at least a month past your quit date. The program is often most useful after you have quit.
· Are affordable. Many programs are free or low-cost. Others cost more.
Some health insurance companies or employee assistance programs (EAPs) cover the cost of smoking cessation programs.
Telephone-based quit-smoking programs link callers to trained counselors who can help put together a quit plan that is tailored to how you smoke,
and they can also help you avoid common problems. This resource is available free of cost by calling the national tobacco quitline:
1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Online quit-smoking programs may work for you if your schedule doesn't allow you to attend in-person programs.
There are many programs, such as the one at www.smokefree.gov, that offer programs and resources to help you quit smoking.
A text messaging program from www.smokefree.gov called SmokefreeTXT.
Avoid any program that promises to make quitting easy or that sounds like it has the only answer or a "secret" method that works better than
any other method. There are no "magic bullets."
Resources:
https://www.stlukesonline.org/health-services/health-information/healthwise/2015/05/15/13/41/quit-smoking-programs
https://smokefree.gov/
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/other-ways-to-quit-smoking.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/world-no-tobacco-day-2020