Quitting Smoking

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Elizabeth Klein, MPhil in Diabetes Care, Imported Diabetes Care Basics

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Most people feel better as soon as they quit, and they lower their risk for serious conditions later in life. If you’re ready to quit, there are many ways you can do it.

Health benefits of quitting

By quitting now, you can:

• Lower your risk for stroke, heart attack, lung disease, cataracts, and some cancers
• Have better skin with fewer wrinkles
• Breathe easier
• Save money
• Stop putting your friends and family at risk
• Smell better
• Have more energy
• Exercise easier
• Have a better chance at a healthy pregnancy

Before you quit

Quitting smoking is rarely easy. The best way to succeed is to be as prepared as possible. Before you try to quit, you should:

• Choose a date, and make sure it will be calm day.
• Write down reasons why you are doing this, and read through the list every day.
• Let your family and friends know what you’re doing and ask for support.

How to quit

There are many different ways to quit, and you may have to try out a few to see which one is best for you. Here is a list to get you started:

• Use nicotine patches or gum. These should help gradually lower your nicotine cravings.
• Join a support group, either online or in person.
• Go “cold turkey.” This means stopping all at once.
• Find your state’s “quitline,” and call for free advice.
• Ask your healthcare provider about any medicines that may help you.
• Try acupuncture, hypnosis or counseling.

Smoking and diabetes

If you have diabetes, keep in mind that smoking hurts you even more than it may hurt other people. Both smoking and diabetes raise your risk for heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Work closely with your healthcare provider to quit as soon as possible.

 

 

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