Are You Ready to Quit Smoking?

When you have diabetes, you’ve got an extra reason not to smoke. Besides increasing your risk for heart disease, lung disease and cancer, smoking also makes it harder to control diabetes.

If you’re a smoker, breaking that habit is the best thing you can do for your health. But a big behavior change, such as stopping smoking, doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll go through several stages on the way to quitting for good. Here’s how to tell which stage you’re in and what to do to move forward.

Stage 1: Thinking About It

At this stage: You would like to quit smoking within the next 6 months, but you haven’t made any definite plans yet.

To move forward: Write down the reasons you want to stop smoking. For example, in addition to improving your health, you may want to save money or be a better role model for your kids. Commit to quitting.

Stage 2: Getting Ready

At this stage: You plan to quit smoking within the next 30 days and you want to be prepared.

To move forward: Pick a date to quit. Tell family and friends and ask for their support. Talk with your doctor about medicines that help. Call a telephone quitline (800-QUIT-NOW) or sign up for a smoking cessation program.

Stage 3: Taking Action

At this stage: You stopped smoking within the last 6 months.

To move forward: When you crave a cigarette, take deep breaths to relax. A quick change in setting or activity may help. For example, you might step outside for a minute or walk up and down a flight of stairs.

Stage 4: Staying the Course

At this stage: You quit smoking more than 6 months ago.

To stay on track: Remind yourself of all you’ve gained by quitting. If you slip up and have a cigarette, don’t overreact. Just figure out what went wrong and plan a better way to cope with that situation next time.

Your Rite Aid Pharmacist can support your efforts to quit. Talk to your Rite Aid pharmacist about the prescription and over the counter smoking cessation options that may be right for you.

Sources

“Guide to Quitting Smoking.”American Cancer Society.www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002971-pdf.pdf.

“Health Education: Theoretical Concepts, Effective Strategies and Core Competencies.” World Health Organization.

“Cravings: When You Really Crave a Cigarette.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/qg-quitting-cravings.aspx.

“Steps to Prepare.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/qg-preparing-steps.aspx.

“HealthyEffects.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/healthConsequences/default.aspx.

“Staying Smokefree.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/qg-staying-sticking.aspx.

“Talk to an Expert.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/expert.aspx.

“Reasons to Quit.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/qg-thinking-why.aspx.

“Slips.” National Cancer Institute. www.smokefree.gov/qg-quitting-slip.aspx.

These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.