Tobacco

So why don't they just call them what they are:

·        Money Suckers

·        Breath Rotters

·        Cancerettes

·        Tumor Causers

·        Phlegm Balls

·        Stench

Thinking about Quitting?

Ask yourself three questions…

·        Why do I want to quit smoking?

·        What method might work best for me?

·        How do I stay smoke-free?

Most people who smoke wish they could quit. The secret is dealing with the addiction.

Withdrawal symptoms start within a few hours. Coping with the cravings for a cigarette and the stress they causes is the key to staying smoke free.

·        Quit cold turkey

·        Gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke

·        Try nicotine replacement therapy:

Nicotine gum-is chewed to reduce cravings

Nicotine patches-give a steady supply of nicotine

Nicotine inhalers-look and act like a cigarette and you choose when to breathe in the nicotine

·        Try other medications such as buproprion - ask your doctor if this is a good choice for you.

·        Using a nicotine replacement can double you chances of staying smoke free.

·        The cravings are only temporary and last only 7 minutes

·        If you can make it through the first day without a cigarette, you are very likely to succeed

·        Hang in there for the first two weeks and you have it licked

·        Drink lots of water

·        Exercise can help – go for a walk

·        Consider joining a support group

·        Avoid coffee, tea and pop

·        Acupuncture may help ease anxiety

·        Ask a friend for help

Resources to quit: (plus other links)

• Minnesota Quit Plan 1-800-354-PLAN (7526) -free tobacco phone counseling
• Minnesota Department of Health Quit Smoking Resources
• Fresh Air Minnesota 
• American Lung Association
• Nicotine Anonymous 
• MyLastDip.com free online resource to help young smokeless tobacco users quit
• Your School Nurse, Health Care Provider or School Chemical Health Counselor can also assist you

Secondhand Smoke

• Also causes cancer 
• Contains the same chemicals as if you were the smoker
• Causes illnesses in children and can cause death

Protect yourself:

• Ask your parents to smoke outside, increase ventilation in the smoking area or quit smoking completely.
• Ask your friends not to smoke around you and encourage them to quit.
•  Enjoy the smoke-free air in all worksites and public buildings since the Freedom to Breathe Act was passed in Minnesota in 2007.