Perhaps you have tried in the past and know how difficult it can be to stop smoking.

There are various stages of being ready to quit and it is important to recognize each stage. You may be considering stopping or cutting back but are not quite ready to set a date. Even if you have been unsuccessful in previous attempts, there are resources to help you succeed. Smoking is the single largest cause of death in developed countries and health care costs related to tobacco use are horrendous.

Fact:
—Smokers miss more days from work than non-smokers.
—Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke causes cancer, heart disease, lung disease, increased risk to the fetus during pregnancy (genetic changes due to smoking can be passed along to grandchildren)
—One Canadian dies every hour from COPD and there is no cure.
—Smoking can reduce life expectancy by 10 or more years.
—More women and teenagers are smoking, a disturbing trend.

What's in it for me?
—Cough disappears, breathing is easier
—Reduced rate of heart and lung disease
—Breath, hair and clothes smell better
—Healthier environment for your family
—More money to spend

Examine why you smoke and identify triggers that encourage smoking as a behaviour before you plan to quit. Before you stop, get rid of ashtrays, matches, and lighters, clean and deodorize your car, drink water to help remove nicotine from your body. Get plenty of sleep. Find a support organization or family member or friend who will help you through the tough times ahead.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options.

What are my options?
About half the smokers who quit do so cold turkey when motivated and ready to stop.
About 1 in 10 people succeed long-term with each attempt. The success rate can double by using various tools to help.
- Nicotine replacement products: patches, gum and inhalers-no prescription required.
- Zyban®, a prescription requiring anti-depressant
that can help with the cravings.
- Support Groups.
- Acupuncture and acupressure.

Useful websites and phone numbers

www.cancer.ca/tobacco

www.heartandstroke.ca

www.informedhealthonline.org

Lung Association at 1-888-566-5864

Smokers Helpline at 1-877-513-5333