So why not quit today?  For more than 28 years, smokers across the country have taken part in the Great American Smokeout, an event that challenges all smokers to quit for one day and encourages all to quit smoking for good.  This Nov. 20, take the challenge to quit smoking and begin to save your life.  To help you quit, the Surgeon General has provided the following five-step formula:

Get ready.  Set a quit date.  Your quit date should be a specific calendar day that is not too far into the future (which allows you to change your mind) but far enough away so that you can still prepare.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, people avoid smoking on their quit date are 10 times more likely to be smoke-free six months later.  In addition to setting a quit date, make changes to your environment by ridding your house, vehicles and office of cigarettes, then clean the smell of smoke from your house and clothes.  If you have tried to quit before, review your past attempts and make note of what strategies were successful and what things to avoid.

Get support.  If you have the support of your family and friends, you are much better prepared to quit smoking.  Inform friends, family and co-workers of your plan to quit and encourage them not to smoke around you. Find support through individual, group and internet support groups and talk with your healthcare provider to discuss a healthy approach to quitting.  

Learn new skills and behaviors.  This is the time to take up a new hobby.  Whether its exercise or arts and crafts, changing your routine can help you avoid smoking triggers.  Many times, smokers light up when they are stressed.  Find ways to distract yourself from urges and reduce your stress.    

Get medication and use it correctly.  According to the Surgeon General, use of medication can more than double your chances of quitting for good.  There are many options out there, including patches, nicotine gum, inhalers and prescription medication.  Your health care provider can assist you with finding the medication that is right for you. 

Be prepared for difficult situations.  The decision to quit will not be easy.  Most relapses occur within three months of quitting smoking.  The following tips should help you avoid the urge to smoke.

Shirene Bolink is the Tobacco Cessation Specialist at Lock Haven Hospital.  The “Freedom from Smoking” program is no charge and is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  For further information or to schedule a meeting, please call 893-5369 or inquire via email:  shirene_bolink@chs.net.

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