Smokers encouraged to give up cigarettes

The American Cancer Society urges smokers to give up their cigarettes for the day and perhaps a lifetime for the 30th American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout, Thursday, November 16.

These tips are offered to help smokers get through the day, or any day, without cigarettes:

•Prepare for life as a nonsmoker by removing all cigarette-related material (i.e. – ashtrays, cigarettes and cigarette butts, matches used for lighting up) from your home and office; it will help avoid temptation.

• Smoking urges are worst in the first two weeks. After that they are most likely to recur in situations associated with smoking.

• Urges last a few minutes at most, so practice the four Ds:

o Deep breaths

o Do something else to get your mind off the craving

o Drink lots of water throughout the day (especially during a craving)

o Delay reaching for a cigarette; the urge will pass

• Try to avoid situations that encourage smoking. If you can’t, practice telling people you've just quit or that you're a non-smoker.

• Change your routines. If you always light up when you have a coffee, drink tea or juice instead.

• Use the many tools available. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available over the counter; a nicotine nasal spray and inhaler and a smoking-cessation medication are available by prescription; and toll-free help lines, such as 1-800-NO-BUTTS, and even online support are available.

• Some smokers have to try several methods before they succeed in quitting, so keep trying until you find what works for you.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org.