Commit to Quit…Smoking!
By The Office of Recreation and Wellness

In only two weeks to three months after quitting smoking your circulation improves, walking becomes easier and lung function increases up to 30%. However, studies show that it takes an average of four attempts to stop smoking for good. So what is the best way to stop smoking? Here are a few tips from The Longevity Code by Zorba Paster, M.D.

1. Get ready. Prepare for the big day by taking a stress management class or lining up supportive friends. That way you'll have alternative coping strategies for stressful situations that you'd normally deal with by lighting up.
   
2. Lower the hurdle. Cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke every day before your official quit date. Studies show that smokers who lower their nicotine levels several months before really quitting are much more likely to quit permanently.
   
3. Make it through the first day. According to research, smokers who don't light up the first day are 10 times more likely to become nonsmokers for life.
   
4. Consider drug therapies. Nicotine replacement by patch, gum or inhaler doubles your chances of success. Zyban, a prescription medication, can control withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings.
   
5. Improve the odds. Studies show that medications work even better when combine with behavior modification. Counseling, acupuncture, hypnosis or support groups are worth a try. What not give yourself every chance?

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease.
• Cilia regain normal function in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, reduce infection.

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker.