Projo Fitness Blog

One of the greatest gifts we can share this season is health.

How?

By offering support to friends or family members who are trying to break an addiction to smoking.

It's tough. I know. This week marks my 23rd year off nicotine.

About 45 million Americans, or about one in five adults, are smokers. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first rise in the number of adult smokers since 2004, from 19.8 percent in 2007 to 20.6 percent in 2008, making the effort to quit even more important today.

HEALTHbeat, the wellness newsletter published by Harvard Medical School, issued a special edition this week, all about smoking cessation.

Preparation is a big part of helping a family member or friend to quit, according to the authors of the HEALTHbeat Extra who wrote:

"Like any big endeavor, it takes some planning to successfully quit smoking. You might suggest the following steps to the person attempting to quit: Tell friends and family about the plan and set a quit date to increase accountability for reaching the goal.
Recommend getting other smokers in the household or circle of friends to join in quitting. A 2008 study found that smoking behavior spreads through both close and distant social ties; one person's resolve and success can help the people around them quit too.

"Suggest he or she make the house a no-smoking zone. According to a 2007 study, people who were not allowed to smoke in the house were more likely to quit.

"Emphasize that withdrawal symptoms such as grumpiness, restlessness, irritability, hunger, headache, anxiety, and drowsiness or insomnia are normal and should be expected. You can help the person stock up on low-calorie snacks and sugarless gum or candy to keep the mouth busy to help get through the rough patches."

 Tags  addiction Harvard health smoking

Comments

Doug said:

I replaced my smoking addiction with an exercise addiction.

At least it's healthier

Link | November 27, 2009 11:02 AM
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