The 5 Keys to Quit Smoking

studies have shown that it has the best chance to quit smoking for good if you use these five steps together.

1 - Prepare;
2 - get support;
3 - Learn new skills and behaviors;
4 - Get medication and use it correctly;
5 - Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations.

1. Get Ready: Set a date to quit smoking. Change your environment, get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car and workplace. . . . and, NOT allow smoking in your home. Review your previous attempts to quit smoking. Think about what worked and what did not. Once you quit, do not smoke - not even a puff!

2. Get support and encouragement: Studies have shown that it has a better chance of success if you have help. You can get support in many ways, tell your friends, coworkers and family who have quit and want their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes. Talk with your health care provider (eg doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist or smoking counselor). Get individual, group or phone. The more counseling you have, the better your chances are of quitting. Programs offered at local hospitals and health centers. Call your local health department for information about programs in your area.

3. Learn new skills and behaviors: Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk or get busy with a task. The first time you try to quit, change your routine, using a different route to work, drink tea instead of coffee, breakfast in a different place. Do something to reduce stress, take a hot bath, exercising or reading a book. Plan something enjoyable to do every day. Drink plenty of water. Study the educational information that will teach you why you smoke and ways to help you quit.

4. Get medication and use it correctly: The medications may reduce cravings and help people quit smoking. The Food and Drug Administration U.S. (FDA) from January 2006 has approved five medications to help you quit smoking:

- Bupropion SR: Available by prescription - Nicotine gum: available without prescription - Nicotine inhaler: Available by prescription - Nicotine nasal spray: Available by prescription - Nicotine patch: Available by prescription and over-the - There are also counter all natural nicotine replacement (herps - no medicine).

Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the information in the package. All these will be about twice as likely to quit smoking and quit smoking for good. The use of drugs is something that everyone who is trying to quit may benefit. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under 18, if you smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other provider of health care provider before taking medications. It is always best to consult a health professional under any circumstances.

5. Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations Most relapses occur within the first 3 months after quitting. Do not be discouraged if you start smoking again. Remember, most people try several times before finally quitting. Here are some difficult situations to watch:

- Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking lowers your chances of success.

- Other smokers. Being around smoking can make you want to smoke.

- Weight gain. Many smokers gain weight when they quit, usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Do not let weight gain distract you from your goal, quit. Some medications for smoking cessation may help delay weight gain.

- Bad mood or depression. There are plenty of ways to improve your mood smoking. If you have problems with any of these situations, talk to your doctor or other provider of health care.

Questions for Reflection: Think about the following questions. Talk to your doctor about your response is something you may want to do.

Why are you quitting? When you tried to quit in the past, what helped and what not? What will be the most difficult situations for you after you quit? How will you handle them? Who can help you in difficult times? Your family? Friends? Health care provider? What pleasures you get from smoking? How you can still get pleasure if you go?

You may stop