QUITTING SMOKING : TIPS , TOOLS AND TRICKS
The history of smoking goes back to 5000 BC . Smoking has been associated with religious ceremonies , cleansing rituals , divination and even spiritual enlightenment .
Today , however , the dangers of smoking are well known . Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the world . In the United States ,
about 500,000 deaths per year are attributed to smoking related diseases [ 1 ] .
At least half of all lifelong smokers die early as a result of smoking [ 2 ] . Thinking about quitting smoking ? If you want to live a long healthy life you should be .
Some people are able to quit smoking on their own , but research
shows that the best way to quit is through evidence based smoking
cessation technologies and programs . Seventy percent of smokers
will attempt to quit smoking without using a program and 90 percent will relapse . ( Institute of Medicine of the National Academies .)
Ready to try quitting smoking on your own ? Here are some tips to increase your chances .
Have a plan . To quit smoking , you must be prepared . Pick a goal date when you will smoke your last cigarette and start your life as a non-smoker . Between two weeks and 30 days from today .
Get a physical . Be aware of any health problems that may exist . It ' s better to know . Make sure it ' s ok for you to exercise .
Get regular exercise . Get your health back . Walking is a great way to start , riding a bike or doing exercise videos at home . Exercising will also help you deal with negative feelings that may arise in your first days of quitting .
Prepare to quit . If you smoke over a pack a day , give yourself two weeks to prepare your mind to quit smoking . If under a pack , give yourself a week .