Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Are you struggling with a resolution to quit smoking in 1998? If you have decided to quit, you are off to a good start. Here are some tips that may help you succeed.

• List the reasons why you want to quit. Say them out loud in front of the mirror when you are feeling tempted to give in.

• When you have the urge to smoke, remember the 4 D's.

Do Something Else -change your routine, take a short walk, wipe down the cupboards, stand up and stretch

Deep Breathing - inhale slowly through your nose, count silently to eight, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat as needed

Drink Water and Fruit Juices - avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine

Delay - wait 5 - 10 minutes, the urge will pass

• Decide which cigarettes are the hardest to give up. Make a plan for what you will do instead of smoking. For example:

Wake-up Cigarette - brush your teeth, have a glass of juice, change your routine

Coffee Cigarette - switch to decaf temporarily, drink juice or warm water with lemon

Cocktail Cigarette - avoid cocktails until your resistance is stronger, switch to juice or diet soda, don't take cigarettes with you, don't bum cigarettes

After Meal Cigarette - wash dishes by hand, go for a walk, tidy up your home or office, deep breathing exercises, visit with someone who isn't smoking,

Just one cigarette can start you smoking again. If temptation wins this time, set another quit date quickly and as many times as it takes to quit for good. For more support in quitting, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.