Quitting isn’t just about your lungs. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, from your brain to your bones.
Thankfully, even those that have smoked for decades can benefit from quitting. Just one year after quitting, an ex-smoker’s risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke drop to less than half that of a smoker. Read our top three tips for quitting and start healing this year.
Get Support Before You Start
There are dozens of free, local support services that can help you quit. The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW or quitnow.net/oregon) and the American Lung Association (lung.org) are both great resources to find out about how you can get valuable support.
Plan to Overcome Challenges
It is common to have discomfort and cravings in the first few weeks after quitting. It is important to address and plan for these challenges before you begin. Start by understanding when you have the urge to smoke and plan ahead to curb cravings and triggering situations.
Ask Your Doctor For Support
You don’t have to quit “cold turkey.” Quit smoking medications help reduce feelings of withdrawal and can double your chances of quitting for good. Ask your doctor about what medications may be right for you.