Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking at any age is the single best thing you can do for your health.
If you're ready to try to quit, make sure to take some steps along the path to
quitting that will help get you where you want to go. Quitting takes some work,
but you can do it.
Here are some important steps:
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Set a Date
Pick a date to quit and mark it on your calendar.
Get Support
Get support from family and friends, and tell them of your
plans. Request they not smoke around you, and ask them to be patient
with you.
Consult Your Doctor
Talk to your health provider about medications to help you
quit.
Go Smoke-free
Avoid places where you are exposed to secondhand smoke. For a
list of smoke-free restaurants in Mecklenburg County visit
www.GoForAtmosphere.com.
Call the Quitline
Call the North Carolina Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or
www.quitlinenc.com. With support
from quitting experts, you can double your chances of quitting for good!
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Concerned about Weight Gain?
Many smokers do gain some weight when they quit. Even without special attempts
at diet and exercise, however, the gain is usually less than 10 pounds. Women
tend to gain slightly more weight than men. There is some evidence that smokers
will gain weight after they quit even if they do not eat more.
For some, a concern about weight gain can lead to a decision not to quit. But
the weight gain that follows quitting smoking is generally very small. It is
much more dangerous to continue smoking than it is to gain a small amount of
weight.
You are more likely to be successful with quitting smoking if you deal with
the smoking first, and then later take steps to reduce your weight. While you
are quitting, try to focus on ways to help you stay healthy, rather than on your
weight. Stressing about your weight may make it harder to quit. Eat plenty of
fruits and vegetables and limit the fat. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and
get enough sleep and regular physical activity.
Walking is a great way to be physically active and increase your chances of
staying quit. Walking can help you by:
- Reducing stress
- Burning calories and toning muscles
- Giving you something to do instead of thinking about smoking
No special equipment or clothing is needed for walking, other than a pair of
comfortable shoes. And you can do it pretty much anytime or anywhere. Try the
following:
- Walking around a shopping mall
- Getting off the bus one stop before you usually do
- Finding a buddy to walk with during lunch time at work
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Walking with a friend, family member, or neighbor after dinner
- Pushing your baby in a stroller
Set a goal of 30 minutes of physical activity 5 or more times a week. If you
dont already exercise regularly, please check with your doctor before starting
an exercise program.
Source: American Cancer Society