Willpower

kim mcmurray's Guest Book

Smoking cigarettes is one of the major preventable causes of Heart Disease. It also causes an increased risk of all types of cancer. Passive smoking has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart and lung disease in non-smokers who live with smokers. Smoking increases the risk of osteoporosis in both men and women.

If you smoke,

the best thing you can do to improve your health and that of you family is to stop smoking!!!!!
Stopping smoking is hard, it can cause you to have withdrawal symptoms, many people put on weight. But everyone who stops feels better, gets fitter and lives longer. Even if you have smoked for many years you will get some benefit from stopping, the sooner you stop the better.

MAKING PLANS AND PICKING THE DAY

Get ready to stop with a firm plan

First choose the day when you're going to stop. Think about when it will be easiest for you - midweek or at the weekend? You could choose a day like No Smoking Day (Wednesday March 11) when thousands of other smokers will be trying to quit too. Then use the week before to get ready to stop. Don't pick your day too far in advance, choose a day within the next month.

Seven days before you stop

Make sure you're stopping because YOU want to. Check your own reasons against this list and add some of your own Then keep your list handy over the next few months.

When I've stopped smoking I'll:

reduce my risk of getting lung cancer
be fitter and more active
be less likely to have a heart attack
set my children a good example
breathe more easily
have fresher smelling breath, hair and clothes.
have more money
have more chance of having a healthy baby

Six days before giving up

Try to understand your habits. For many people smoking is linked to certain times of day and certain situations. To break these links you may need to change habits for a while. So if you always smoke when you have a cup of coffee try a fruit juice instead. Plan in advance how you’ll cope with different situations like at the pub, with friends or at work

Five days to go

Tell all your family and friends you’ve decided to stop. The more you encouragement you get the more successful you'll be - so ask for support and understanding. Tell people the date you plan to stop. If you want some friendly help and advice on stopping smoking, call the smokers' help-line.

Four days before stopping.

Think about how you will your mind off cigarettes. You’ll need to keep your hands and mind busy for the next few weeks, now could be the time to start that new hobby that’s always interested you.

Three days before you stop

Stock up on nibbles. When you've stopped you might find it helpful to chew sugar-free gum, raw vegetables or fruit.

Two days to go

Try a relaxation technique. You could find out about exercise classes in your area or check your local library for books on stress reduction and relaxation. Cut down a bit today.

The day before

Now you’re ready to stop smoking. Make sure you have no cigarettes around, Before you go to bed throw away your lighters and ashtrays.

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