Fewer New Yorkers smoke now than any time in the past 50 years, and most New Yorkers who have ever smoked have already quit. However, more than a million New Yorkers risk their lives and health by continuing to smoke. If you’re still smoking, there’s no better time to quit than today.
For smokers, quitting is, by far, the single most important thing you can do for your health. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease and emphysema. But it doesn’t just kill you, it destroys you. Smoking can result in amputations, heart attacks, strokes and will leave you gasping for every breath.
If you smoke and you hope your kids won’t - the most effective way you can protect them is to quit. Kids whose parents smoke are twice as likely to smoke themselves.
Quitting is not easy. It takes most smokers several tries to quit successfully. But it is possible - most smokers have already quit!
New York City is offering free nicotine patches to New Yorkers who want to quit smoking. In addition, this year, for the first time, we’re offering nicotine gum. These medications have helped tens of thousands of New Yorkers quit smoking, and they can help you, too. Until May 15, New Yorkers can call 3-1-1 for nicotine patches and nicotine gum.
Free nicotine patches save lives. About one third of New Yorkers who received the patch during our previous giveaways quit, saving thousands of premature deaths.
It is never too late to quit. Here are some tips to help:
1. Prepare yourself. Make a list of your reasons for quitting and read it often.
2. Pick a quit date. Get rid of ashtrays and lighters, and throw out all cigarettes.
3. Have a smoke-free car and home. It is healthier for others and will help you resist smoking.
4. Get support and encouragement. Tell your family, friends, and coworkers that you are quitting and ask for their support.
5. Get a quit buddy. Ask a smoker to quit with you, or find someone who has already quit who you can talk to for support.
6. Notice what triggers cravings. Alcohol, coffee, and stress can make you feel like smoking. So can seeing others smoke; ask smokers you know not to light up in front of you.
7. Consider using medications. The nicotine patch or gum, and medications greatly reduce cravings and double your chance of success. Talk to your doctor.
8. Help yourself cope. Drink a lot of water to help with cravings. Exercise to relieve stress and improve your mood and health - a brisk walk often does the trick.
9. Get your mind off smoking. Talk to a friend when you feel like smoking. Get busy with a simple task, eat a healthy snack, take a walk, or chew gum. Avoid places and situations you associate with smoking.
10. Stay away from that first cigarette! Having even one can make you start back up. Cravings will lessen the longer you don’t smoke. If you can quit for 3 months, you will likely quit for good.
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH is the Health Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
