Your Health Saudi Magazine مجلة دليلك الصحي Oct 2013 | Page 9

Try and Try Again
It's very common to have a relapse. Many smokers
try several times before giving up cigarettes for
good. Examine the emotions and circumstances
that lead to your relapse. Use it as an opportunity to
reaffirm your commitment to quitting. Once you've
made the decision to try again, set a "quit date"
within the next month.

Eat Fruits and Veggies
Don't try to diet while
giving up cigarettes -too much deprivation
is bound to backfire.
Instead, focus on
eating more fruits,
vegetables, and low-fat
dairy products. A Duke
University study suggests
these foods make
cigarettes taste terrible.
This gives you a leg up
in fighting your cravings
while providing diseasefighting nutrients.

Clean House
Once you've smoked
your last cigarette, toss
all of your ashtrays
and lighters. Wash any
clothes that smell like
smoke and clean your
carpets, draperies,
and upholstery. Use
air fresheners to help
rid your home of that
familiar scent. You don't
want to see or smell
anything that reminds
you of smoking.

Manage Stress
One reason people
smoke is that the
nicotine helps them
relax. Once you quit,
you’ll need another way
to cope with stress. Try
getting regular massages,
listening to relaxing
music, or learning yoga
or tai chi. If possible,
avoid stressful situations
during the first few
weeks after you stop
smoking.

Get Moving
Physical activity can help reduce nicotine cravings
and ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you
want to reach for a cigarette, put on your inline
skates or jogging shoes instead. Even mild exercise
is helpful, such as walking the dog or pulling weeds
in the garden. The extra calories you burn will also
ward off weight gain as you quit smoking.

Do It for Your Health
There's more than the monetary reward to consider. Smoking cessation has
immediate health benefits. It lowers your blood pressure and reduces your
pulse after only 20 minutes. Within a day, the carbon monoxide level in your
blood returns to normal. Within two weeks to three months, your risk of a heart
attack decreases and your lungs begin to function better. Long-term benefits
include a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and
other cancers.
photo by silwan anwar

YOUR HEALTH MAGAZINE OCT. 2013 |

9