Today, November 19th, is the Great American Smokeout ®. Typically the third Thursday in November, this day is designated by the American Cancer Society to help smokers to quit smoking tobacco. The aim is to quit for one day and that will eventually lead to quitting altogether.
Have you thought about quitting smoking? Have you tried before but have started again? Quitting substances is typically difficult, but there are multiple reasons that you should stop to benefit your health and the health of those around you.
Did you know there are 4000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke? Of these chemicals, researchers have found more than 43 that are carcinogenic to humans and animals (US Center for Disease Control). Smoking contributes to cervical, pancreatic and renal cancers and smokeless tobacco and cigars can lead to lung, esophageal, oral and larynx cancers (US Center for Disease Control).
Need more health consequences?
Chronic lung disease, strokes, and heart disease have been thoroughly documented as resulting from smoking, and research has indicated that smoking during a pregnancy is likely to result in adverse health consequences for the baby including low birth weight, which is the leading cause of death among infants (US Center for Disease Control).
If you are too concerned about your own health, consider that studies have demonstrated that nonsmokers are adversely affected by secondhand smoke to the tune of 3,000 nonsmoking Americans annually dying from lung cancer. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 3000,000 children suffer with lower respiratory tract infections due to environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke).
Still need more evidence that smoking is bad for you?
New York State Smokers’ Quitline website provides a lot of information about the health risks of smoking cigarettes and tobacco, including the “10 things you didn’t know about smoking” that states almost 1,200 Americans die each day from smoking. This would be the equivalent of losing the entire Buffalo and Rochester population in just two years!
Over 3 million Americans stop smoking every year. Let this be your year. Start today. Here are some suggestions to try:
- Decide that you want to stop and understand your reasons for wanting to quit.
- Remove things that remind you of smoking such as lighters, ashtrays, and any leftover cigarettes
- Manage your stress. It can be tempting to reach for a cigarette to help with stress, but there are many healthy stress management techniques to try instead
- Pause. If you feel tempted to reach for a cigarette, take a minute to consider the implications. The temptation and craving may pass.
- Try alternatives to smoking such as chewing gum, drinking water, or taking a shower.
- Remind yourself why you decided to quit (e.g., saving money, being healthier, having to stand outside in the snow to smoke) and believe in your capability to stop.
- Distract yourself when you feel tempted. Do something else such as calling a friend or exercising.
- If you slip and smoke, try again. This does not mean that failure is inevitable.
- Get support. Some people find it very difficult to stop by themselves. Get support from friends, family, and/or professionals.
For more information:
NYS Smokers’ Quitline
1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
Quitline Call Hours: M-W 9am-12:00am, Th-F 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm (Taped messages and tips available 24/7)
New York State Smoking Cessation Centers
Comments