WHY SHOULD CIGARETTE SMOKERS THINK ABOUT QUITTING?

One in three smokers dies early because of their smoking. They die of heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema. At one time smoking seemed "cool," but it has become less and less desirable.

What's more, research shows that secondhand smoke, the smoke from other people's cigarettes, can harm the health of nonsmokers. Breathing in another person's smoke can cause many breathing problems in children and cancer and heart disease in adults.

The trend now is for public places and work places to go smoke-free. This should help smokers make the move to quit and keep everyone's lungs healthier.

Cigarettes are so much a part of the American scene that many people think of them as "normal." They are easy to buy and inexpensive compared to other drugs.

But cigarettes aren't normal. They are very addictive and cause sickness and death. They are illegal to use in many places and it is illegal for minors to buy them in most parts of the U.S.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR SMOKERS WHO DECIDE TO QUIT?

Join a stop-smoking program like Freedom From Smoking® from the American Lung Association(ALA). The Program gives Lots of ideas on how to quit and stay quit. Groups are a way to meet other people who want to stop smoking.

Look into the different kinds of self-help options available to smokers. These include Freedom From Smoking®guidebooks, videotapes and audiotapes. All of these materials are also available from the American Lung Association.

Pick a good time to quit. Don't try to quit when you're under a lot of stress or around a holiday.

Be aware that smokers have different experiences when they quit. They may feel sleepy or very excited, lightheaded, nervous or irritable. Or they might crave tobacco or sweets or have headaches.

Be sure to get some exercise every day. For example, walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting. Exercise is a big boost toward feeling better, improving spirits, and keeping trim.

Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water.

Ask family, friends and co-workers to help. Having someone to take a walk with or just listen can give a needed boost.

WHAT ABOUT SMOKERS WHO QUIT TIME AND TIME AGAIN?

Most smokers need to "practice" quitting several times before they make it for good. The best advice is to keep trying! Practice helps smokers plan what to do the next time they get an urge to smoke.

Quitting smoking may seem almost impossible, but it can be done. Don't give up!

More than 45.7 million Americans have quit. Many of them tried several times before they were able to quit. They made it and quit for good. Other smokers can, too.

WHAT'S A GOOD WAY TO HELP A CIGARETTE SMOKER QUIT?

The first move has to come from the smoker. People who really want to quit smoking stand a better chance of sticking to their decision. Letting a person know you care and that you are "there for them" can be a big help.

Ask a smoker, "How can I help?" If the person can't come up with ideas right away, wait until you get some clues. Most smokers would like to be free of cigarettes.

WHAT DO FORMER SMOKERS SAY ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF QUITTING?

People who quit smoking are proud of themselves for breaking the addiction. By quitting, smokers get many health benefits. They cut down on their risk of having lung disease, a heart attack or getting cancer.

Former smokers are glad to be rid of cigarette stains on their fingers, hacking coughs and the smell of stale cigarette smoke on their clothing.

Other pleasing "side effects" of quitting are an improved sense of smell and taste.

Stopping smoking as early as possible is important, but cessation at any age provides meaningful life extensions.

Life expectancy among smokers who quit at age 35 exceeded that of continuing smokers by 6.9 to 8.5 years for men and 6.1 to 7.7 years for women. Smokers who quit at younger ages realize greater life extensions. However, even those who quit much later in life gained some benefits: among smokers who quit at age 55 years, men gained 1.4 to 2.0 year of life, and women gained 2.7 to 3.7 years.

For more information visit: http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.33567/k.B594/Quitting_Smoking.htm

The American Lung Association® now offers Freedom From Smoking® Online - a 24 hour smoking cessation support program on the web! Visit www.ffsonline.org and stop smoking today!