Stop Smoking

Stop Smoking

Reduce Your Chances of Returning to the Hospital

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, it’s never too late to quit this unhealthy habit. The benefits start right away and last a lifetime:

 

  • 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
  • 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
  • 2 to 5 years after quitting, your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancers is cut in half, and your risk of stroke is the same as a nonsmoker's.
  • 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker.

 

Ready, Set, Quit!

Now that you've decided to quit, take it one day at a time. Remind yourself that you are in control—you can choose to smoke or not. You can also use a quit app to track your habits, set goals and provide motivation. Download an app from smokefree.gov or another trusted health organization.

Be prepared to have nicotine cravings. They usually pass soon, so wait them out. When a craving hits, take a walk, call a friend or do something else you enjoy.

Here’s How You Can S.T.A.R.T.

 

Set a quit date. Make a commitment to yourself. Write down why you want to quit and read it every day.


Tell your family, friends and coworkers that you plan to quit, and ask for their support.


Anticipate the challenges you’ll face.



Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your house, car and workplace.



Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit—including counseling, medicines or products that can help, and other tools and resources like those found at the sites below:

American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute: www.smokefree.gov

 

E-Cigarettes
E-cigarette devices are used to breathe in an aerosol containing nicotine. It’s also known as vaping. E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes—the chemicals in the aerosol can cause lung damage and lung disease.
3 Tips to Help You Quit
  1. Fight the Urge: Don’t let yourself think that you can have just one cigarette. If you do slip, start again and make tomorrow your new first day to quit.
  2. Get Moving: Exercise is a good way to keep your mind off cigarettes. The longer you go without smoking, the better you can breathe and the easier it will be to exercise.
  3. Keep Your Mouth Busy: Try toothpicks, celery, sugarless gum or sugar-free lollipops.
Before Surgery
Quitting smoking even 12 hours before surgery will help with healing. Smoking after surgery stresses your heart, raises your blood pressure, and reduces the oxygen your blood and tissues need in order to recover.
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