Tips to Help You Quit
About 48 million Americans smoke cigarettes, but most smokers are either actively trying to quit or want to quit. Since 1965, more than 40 percent of all adults who have ever smoked have quit.  You can be among that group too.  Here are some helpful hints to get you started.

• List all the reasons you want to quit smoking (e.g., better health, save money, play with children/grandchildren) and read them several times a day.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist if you are a good candidate for using a nicotine replacement (e.g., patch, gum, lozenge) or other medication to help you quit.  Consider smoking cessation counseling or support groups.
• Choose a quit date – it could be a significant date (e.g., a birthday or anniversary) or just a date about two to three weeks away.  Before your quit date, get rid of all smoking-related materials in your home and work area (e.g., ashtrays, matches, cigarette packages).
• Stay busy!  Go to the movies, exercise, take long walks, go bike riding.
• Find healthy substitutes for smoking.  Carry sugarless gum or artificially sweetened mints. Munch carrots or celery sticks. Try doing crafts or other things with your hands.
• Let your friends, family, and co-workers know that you plan to quit – and ask for their help and support. And if your spouse or partner smokes, ask them to help you out by not smoking around you for the first couple of months after you quit.