January 1, 2005
A Solid Foundation = A Longer Life
Construction workers know that the success and lifetime of a building begins in the foundation. Yet many of those workers who decide to make 2005 the year they quit tobacco neglect to give themselves a solid foundation - dooming themselves to yet another failed quit attempt.
What makes a good foundation for a quit attempt? The American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® program provides seven steps to quitting.
1) Get information about quitting; get ready to quit; believe that you actually can quit.
2) Understand your smoking behavior; learn ways to deal with stress.
3) Begin to look at substitute behaviors to smoking, learn to cope with trigger situations; get information on nicotine reduction therapy; choose a quit day.
4) Look at the benefits of quitting; talk about problems, fears and successes.
5) Learn long-term strategies for maintaining a smoke free lifestyle.
6) Learn about staying smoke free.
7) Celebrate! By now you will have quit but you need to learn about the recovery process.
Add years to your life! The life expectancy among smokers who quit at age 35 exceeds that of continuing smokers by 6.9 to 8.5 years for men and 6.1 to 7.7 years for women. Stopping smoking is the most important step to better a longer, healthier life.
Research has shown that smokers who use some form of nicotine replacement therapy and participate in a behavior change program can double their chances of quitting. Quitting is not easy, but getting help is. You can call the California Smokers Helpline (1-800-NO-BUTTS) for free telephone counseling.
Source: American Lung Association, Freedom From Smoking® free website: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22931.