How To Kick The Habit

Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to break. That's because nicotine is physi¬cally addicting - smokers actually feel a craving for cigarettes. Attempts to quit may fail without the necessary aids. Local chapters of the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society have a variety of materials to assist smokers in quitting or in locating support groups.

• Ask your doctor about a prescription for nicotine gum to get over the initial withdrawal stages.
• Choose a day that's not more than two weeks away on which you will quit smoking completely.
• One week before that date, practice a delay strategy. After meals, wait 30 minutes before lighting up. Try to erase smoking cues. For example, don't smoke in the car or while talking on the phone.
• Make a list of your reasons for quitting, and carry it with you on an index card for quick reference at difficult times.
• Keep other aids handy: sugarless gum or carrots, celery and fruits to munch on when the urge to smoke strikes. Or put on your walking shoes and work off any nervous energy.
• On the day you've chosen to quit, place an "I Quit" sign on the door of your home or office.
• Don't rely solely on willpower. Call on all the resources you've gathered and use them to begin a smoke-free life.

Ask your doctor or dentist about the nicotine transdermal patch. "The Patch" is a product used to relieve craving nicotine. Another anti-smoking cessation product is a pill called Zyban. Consult your physician for further details.

The Medical Society would like to thank the Health Care Cost Containment Board, American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society for provid¬ing us with the data on tips to quit smoking.