Seven tips to quit smoking in 2017
By Marcy Ivory - Contributing Writer
SPRINGFIELD — Quitting smoking is not easy, but quitting for good is possible. Try following these seven tips used as part of the Community Mercy REACH, Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Treatment program:
Choose a quit date:
• At least 3 weeks from the date your plan begins.
• Choose a time that is in your regular rhythm of life.
Journal the reasons why you want to stop smoking
• Improved health, breathe easier, smell better
• feel good about self/be in control
• more energy and more money
Identify your smoking patterns and focus on change by reducing your use by at least 50% prior to quitting:
• Complete a tobacco log and adjust your daily routine
Identify the positive behavior that will replace the 50%, such as exercise, new hobby, and relaxation techniques.
• Decide if you will use a medication or Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help ease withdrawal symptoms:
• Antidepressants
• Nicotine Replacement Therapies- Patch, Gum, Lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray
• Chantix
• Combination
Identify your triggers and attempt to avoid people, places and things that will tempt you:
• Caffeine/alcohol
• Other smokers
• Stress/boredom/after meals/driving
Identify coping skills that will assist you with your triggers:
• Drink more water or switch to juices, tea
• Plan events with non-smoking friends and non-smoking places
• Relaxation, stress management
• Develop a quit kit-healthy snacks, hard candy, gum, toothpicks, rubber bands
Get support and plan for a healthier lifestyle:
• Eating healthy and exercising
• Get more rest and take a multivitamin
• Reward yourself
Make the commitment, accept the challenge, reduce barriers, prepare to quit…develop a plan, and prepare for a lifestyle change. Let REACH assist with your New Year’s resolutions. The first free treatment program begins Jan. 9. For more information, call 937-390-5338.
Marcy Ivory is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and the Tobacco Education Coordinator at Community Mercy REACH.
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Healthy Springfield: About this series
Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year the News-Sun dug into the public health issues facing the city, including obesity and minority health disparities and efforts to improve them.
SPRINGFIELD — Quitting smoking is not easy, but quitting for good is possible. Try following these seven tips used as part of the Community Mercy REACH, Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Treatment program:
Choose a quit date:
• At least 3 weeks from the date your plan begins.
• Choose a time that is in your regular rhythm of life.
Journal the reasons why you want to stop smoking
• Improved health, breathe easier, smell better
• feel good about self/be in control
• more energy and more money
Identify your smoking patterns and focus on change by reducing your use by at least 50% prior to quitting:
• Complete a tobacco log and adjust your daily routine
Identify the positive behavior that will replace the 50%, such as exercise, new hobby, and relaxation techniques.
• Decide if you will use a medication or Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help ease withdrawal symptoms:
• Antidepressants
• Nicotine Replacement Therapies- Patch, Gum, Lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray
• Chantix
• Combination
Identify your triggers and attempt to avoid people, places and things that will tempt you:
• Caffeine/alcohol
• Other smokers
• Stress/boredom/after meals/driving
Identify coping skills that will assist you with your triggers:
• Drink more water or switch to juices, tea
• Plan events with non-smoking friends and non-smoking places
• Relaxation, stress management
• Develop a quit kit-healthy snacks, hard candy, gum, toothpicks, rubber bands
Get support and plan for a healthier lifestyle:
• Eating healthy and exercising
• Get more rest and take a multivitamin
• Reward yourself
Make the commitment, accept the challenge, reduce barriers, prepare to quit…develop a plan, and prepare for a lifestyle change. Let REACH assist with your New Year’s resolutions. The first free treatment program begins Jan. 9. For more information, call 937-390-5338.
Marcy Ivory is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and the Tobacco Education Coordinator at Community Mercy REACH.
________________________________________
Healthy Springfield: About this series
Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year the News-Sun dug into the public health issues facing the city, including obesity and minority health disparities and efforts to improve them.