Most smokers will admit they'd like to quit. The problem is, smoking is an addiction, and quitting is hard. But it can be done. Aside from the money you'll save, the health benefits alone are worth it.

The fact is that after 12 hours without a cigarette, carbon monoxide leaves your body and your lungs begin to clear. After two days, your sense of taste and smell starts to come back, and you stop smelling like an ashtray. After about three months, the cilia – your lungs' cleaning system – recover and begin ridding the lungs of mucus. And after one year, your lung cancer and heart disease risk is reduced. Here are some tips to help you quit.

• Make a list of why you want to quit smoking. Carry the list with you. This way you will always have a reminder of why you're quitting.
• Don't worry about weight gain. It doesn't happen to everyone and it's often insignificant if it does. Stick to the same diet you usually eat, and remember to choose low-calorie snacks.
• Try to beat the cravings. Try the four Ds: Delay, Distract, Deep Breathing and Drink Water.
• Get support. You can talk to a friend, or find support by calling the Smokers' Helpline : 1-877-513-5333.

More tips on quitting can be found at www.Healthyontario.com.

March 2005

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