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Stop Smoking
Smoking/Second Hand Smoke
Cigarette smoking is a strong predictor of heart disease. Smoking damages the artery walls, lowers HDL cholesterol and increases the likelihood of a blood clot forming.
Quitting (or avoiding second-hand smoke) is an effective way to reduce your risk of a heart attack (as well as your risk for cancer and chronic lung disease). Smokers who quit drop their risk significantly even in the first year.
53 million people are already ex-smokers; most have stopped on their own. Choose to be tobacco free!
Fact: The average smoker loses five to seven years of life compared to nonsmokers.
Need to Quit?
- Ask your doctor for help. There are medications and nicotine replacement therapy that make quitting much easier.
- Study a stop smoking guide and join a support group if possible.
- Set a stop date. Choose a time when you are not under undue pressure or stress.
- Assemble a quit kit (carrot and celery sticks, chewing gum, tooth picks).
- Enlist a buddy for support, ideally someone who has already quit.
- Develop a recovery plan: get extra rest, don't overeat or drink alcohol, take lots of walks (especially after meals), drink lots of water, relax, get a massage, stay in your support group.
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