Quitting smoking is very hard to do. If you succeed the short and long term rewards include improved lung capacity, circulation, greater sense of smell and taste, reduced risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and lung cancer.
BlueCross BlueShield of Central New York and the New York State Smokers Quitline offer seven steps smokers can take in their quest to quit.
Visualize success. Studies of successful quitters show that one of the most important ways to succeed is to believe that they can quit smoking.
Make a plan. Create a daily plan to follow that includes:
- Times when you want to smoke most and things you can do instead of smoking when you have a craving.
- Names of friends and family you can call for support.
- A reward for yourself when you have achieved your goal of being smoke free.
