If you are on the fence about quitting smoking, consider the following reasons:
- My chances of having cancer, heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, cataracts and other diseases will go down
- I will be less likely to get sick
- I will breathe easier and cough less
- My blood pressure will go down
- My skin will look healthier
- I will look younger and healthier
- My teeth and fingernails will not be stained
Although quitting will make you feel better and improve your health, there are other reasons to quit that you should consider:
- I will have more money to spend
- I won’t have to worry about when I can smoke next or where I can or can’t smoke
- My food will taste better
- My clothes will smell better
- My car‚ home and kids won’t smell smoky
Most importantly, consider your loved ones:
- I will set a great example for my kids; it takes a lot of strength to quit
- I will protect my friends and family from the dangers of secondhand smoke
- I will have more energy to do the things I love with friends and family
QUICK TIP: Make a list of all of the reasons you want to become smoke-free and keep it where you will see it often. When you feel the need to smoke, take a look at the list to remind yourself why you want to quit.
Quitting tobacco isn’t just a New Year’s resolution — it’s a New Year’s revolution!
Tobacco users are statistically more likely to quit tobacco when they are encouraged by people who are important to them. See five ways you can help people you care about quit tobacco below!
- Ask About Tobacco Use: Use a non-judgmental voice to ask about current or past tobacco use.
- Advise Quitting: Be clear but sensitive. Let them know about FREE services provided by the Oklahoma tobacco helpline.
- Assess Interest in Quitting: On a scale of 1-10, assess how ready your patients are to quit. Patients who are reluctant should still receive non-judgmental advice.
- Assist With Quitting: Work with patients to establish a quit plan and set a quit date. Talk about the free support on the helpline.
- Arrange Follow-up: During their first few weeks of quitting, follow up with them. Praise their successes and compliment their progress.
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline
Oklahoma tobacco helpline benefits include quit coaching, 24/7 support, and at least a two-week FREE supply of patches, gum or lozenges. Since 2003, the helpline has helped more than 450,000 Oklahomans. You could be next!
Quit Resources for Teens
Adolescents aged 13-17 can receive FREE support to quit through text, phone, or email. Just visit MyLifeMyQuit or text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989.
People who quit smoking without other health related changes are susceptible to associated weight gain. Take advantage of the above listed resources, support from family, friends, and your health care providers to improve your chances of success. Psychologists and therapists are experts in helping you manage these major changes in your life. If you are interested in receiving services from us, contact us at [Link to Patient Portal]
Information sourced from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Mercy Health Partners, and the National Institute of Health