Do You Smoke a Little, Or a Lot?
By Sandy Schroeder
The questions about smoking never seems to quite go away in our culture. Most of us know someone who may still be smoking either a lot or a little. In some sad cases, we may have seen teens just starting.
If you are still smoking, or you know someone else who is, now is the time to take action to stop.
Consequences Are Inevitable
Most of us know the list of smoking consequences. Everything from heart and lung disease to back pain and cancer show up. Many of us know someone who paid dearly, when smoking was not stopped and life was shortened.
How to Stop
Recently Harvard Health posted some helpful advice.
First, see your doctor and check out 1-800-QUIT-NOW and smokefree.gov. Next, learn more about nicotine replacement, Varenicline (Chantix), and Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR).
Nicotine replacement – These products are available over-the-counter, or with a prescription in gums, patches, nasal sprays, lozenges and inhalers. Doctors say they can double the quit-rate and ease cravings. They can be used to taper off as control is gained.
Varenicline (Chantix) – Studies show this treatment has achieved the highest quit-rate. It helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make smoking less pleasurable.
Bupropion (Zybon, Wellbutrin SR) – This treatment helps to slow down weight gain, and it may help prevent relapses. Anyone who has had seizure disorders cannot use it.
Specific Steps to Put a Plan into Action
- Set a quit date
- Tell friends and family about your quit date.
- Load up on carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, and sugar-free gum.
- Dispose of all cigarettes, cigars, pipes or electronic devices, in your car, home and work locations.
- Get ready for withdrawal symptoms.
- Know what triggers your cravings and how to avoid those triggers.
- Start exercising before you quit to hold down weight.
- Line up the nicotine substitutes or other treatments you are going to use.
As you make your push, keep the support numbers on hand and don’t hesitate to use them if you fail and want to start again. The important thing is to keep trying and enjoy all of the health and financial benefits that follow.
I have known many people who have won this battle. Most of them have colorful stories about what it took to make it happen, but they all agree it was the best thing they could have possibly done for their health. Good luck!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.
