Have you often thought that you need to quit using tobacco products but are not sure just how to go about it?
There are ways to assist you so you’re not alone in your quest for a healthier and longer life. Bridgeway Center, Inc., in partnership with FSU’s College of Medicine, offers the Area Health Education Center Tobacco Cessation Program called Quit Smoking NOW to patients, clients, patient/client caregivers, staff, and staff families free of charge. Patients/clients who have a substance abuse diagnosis or a mental illness diagnosis will find the benefit of the smoking cessation program improves their chance for sustained recovery.
When you stop smoking changes happen immediately! The air around you is no longer dangerous to children and other adults. After 20 minutes your blood pressure drops to normal, pulse rate drops to normal, temperature in hands and feet increase to normal. After 2-12 weeks circulation improves, breathing improves, and walking becomes easier. As your smoke free time increases so does your increase in a healthy life. Find ways to re-direct your cravings such as changing your daily routine, drinking more water, and increasing your exercise. If you work in a building with an elevator, or have access to one, take a break and ride it, you can’t smoke in elevators.
Nicotine replacement therapy is also a way to help with cravings. These can be purchased over-the-counter and don’t require a prescription. NRT comes in the form of patches, gum, and lozenges. NRT slowly provides a small amount of nicotine through your mouth or skin. The patch is a long-acting NRT and the gum and lozenges are short-acting. The use of gum or lozenges is one of the keys to your success.
Some tips to help you succeed in your attempt to stop smoking are: if you feel anxious, try going for a walk, working out, or any activity you would normally do to relax. Does your not smoking making you hungry? Try eating veggies, make a salad or have some of your favorite raw veggies to replace your smoking. Do you have coffee and a cigarette first thing in the morning? Changing this habit is as easy as switching to tea, or having your first cup of coffee an hour after waking. Ice water is also a good way to help with cravings. Find what works for you and stick to it…you can beat this!
The public is made aware of the dangers of second hand smoke, but not many people are aware of third hand smoke. This is the smoke residue that is deposited on walls, furniture, carpets, etc. It affects animals and children by contact. When a child or animal crawls or walks on the floor and then puts their hand or paw in their mouth they are being affected by third hand smoke. The nicotine is entering their system by physical contact, not by breathing in the smoke. Be mindful of the dangers smoking has not only on you but on those you love.
There are resources available to help you quit smoking and using tobacco products. Don’t do it alone. Some resources are free to the public as well as the availability of NRT products.
To talk to a “Quit Coach” call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669). Online help is available at www.quitnow.net/florida, or if face-to-face meetings work best for you, find local classes at www.ahectobacco.com.
Remember, with the determination to quit, the support of friends and family, and the help of available resources, you can enjoy and happy and healthy life.
WANT TO GO?
QUIT SMOKING CLASSES: open to the public. For more local classes, see the calendar at http://www.ahectobacco.com/calendar/.
•5-6 p.m. Oct. 8 and 15, Crestview Health Center, 4100 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 682-1164.
•10-11 a.m. Oct. 9 and 16, Okaloosa Dept. of Health, 810 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, 689-7808.
•5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 13, North Okaloosa Medical Center, 151 E. Redstone Ave., Crestview, 689-8100.
Mary Cox is a tobacco treatment specialist for Bridgeway Center, Inc.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Quit Smoking Now program, classes available