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November Healthy Habit

Did you know that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month?

Lung Cancer has the MOST DEATHS of ANY CANCER in men and women!

The risk of developing lung cancer is 10 times greater for smokers than for non- smokers.

Here are some tips to help you quit smoking:

Tips to Quit Smoking

Step 1:  Prepare yourself mentally for quitting

  • Make a list of all the positive reasons to quit smoking
  • Set a specific quit-date; give yourself at least a week to prepare, and make sure it will be a low-stress day; however, it should be filled with things to keep you busy
  • Consider barriers that may affect you quitting, and identify how you will overcome them
  • Get rid of all tobacco products at home, work, in car, or elsewhere

Step 2:  Gather Support

  • Gather a support team to help you; tell family and friends that you are quitting so they can encourage you
  • Talk to your doctor or research the negative effects of tobacco on the body
  • Find other resources online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Step 3:  Choose a specific quit-plan

  • You may want to get a prescribed medication from your doctor; these can include a Nicotine gum, inhaler, patch, nasal spray, or pill
  • You may want to join a smoking cessation class

Step 4:  During Quitting

  • Reduce stress by exercising, reading, or enjoying a relaxing hobby
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid drinking alcohol; alcohol consumption may encourage you to use tobacco
  • Try your best to avoid being around other smokers
  • Go places where you cannot smoke
  • Alter normal routines if they make you want to smoke; for example, if you smoke with your coffee, drink juice instead
  • Carry small low-calorie snacks, gum, or hard candy to keep you busy when you get an urge
  • Stretch out meals by eating slower and pausing between bites
  • Try deep breathing exercises to encourage you to help improve your lungs
  • If you feel like you really need tobacco, wait at least 10 minutes; the urge will usually pass by then
  • Use positive self-talk; tell yourself, “I can do this!”

Step 5:  Avoid Relapse

  • Getting your teeth cleaned will encourage you to stay smoke-free
  • Use the extra money you usually spend on tobacco to reward yourself with something special
  • Don’t use ANY tobacco products after quitting; it will be easy to start back

Take part in the Great American Smokeout this month in order to support Lung Cancer Awareness!!!