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The Great American Smokeout, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is a day which allows smokers to quit smoking once and for all or use the day to get ready and prepare for a day to quit. Almost 42 million Americans smoke cigarettes and tobacco use continues to hold the spot as the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

5 Ways to Get Ready to Quit Smoking

  1. Set a quit date – Choose the GAS or another quit day within the next two weeks
  2. Let your friends and family know – Sharing your quit date with important people in your life, and those who you see on a regular basis, will help you develop a support system.  A daily e-mail, text or phone call can help you stay on course and prevent slip ups.
  3. Anticipate the challenges to come – Since the urge to smoke is short – typically only 3 to 5 minutes – make a list of triggers (people, places or things that give you a desire to smoke) and healthier choices you can make instead, such as drink more water and healthy snacks throughout the day, take a walk with someone who doesn’t smoke during lunch or call a friend who knows that you are quitting.
  4. Remove cigarettes from your home, car and workplace – This also includes matches, lighters and ashtrays.  Give your car and home a good cleaning and appreciate the fresh smell.
  5. Utilize resources – Talk to your pharmacist, and let your doctor know you are quitting.  They will be able to provide quit options and nicotine replacement therapies that may help with cravings.

Help you and your employees quit smoking by keeping your work environment smoke free or ask us about a wellness program that incorporates a cessation of smoking component. We’d be happy to help!

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