When Quitting is a Good Thing

You know you should quit. Everyone says you should – friends, family, the media. You probably even want to quit.

Smoking, that is.

Studies show that about 70 percent of smokers want to quit, but only 35–45 percent try during any given year. So why exactly should you quit? And how can you finally do it?

Smoking Puts Your Life at Risk

• Smokers are twice as likely to die from heart attacks as nonsmokers.
• Cigarette smoking alone is directly responsible for approximately 30 percent of all cancer deaths annually in the United States.
• Cigarette smoking is linked to 87 percent of lung cancer deaths – the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women – as well as other types of cancer.
• Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic lung disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cataracts.

Smoking Puts Others’ Lives at Risk

• Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of serious pregnancy complications such as stillbirth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers, as well as several respiratory illnesses in young children.

Quit Now, See Immediate Improvements

The earlier a person quits, the greater the health benefit. In fact, people who quit before age 50 reduce their risk of dying in the next 15 years by half compared with those who continue to smoke. Look at the facts:

• Two weeks to three months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
• 12 months after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.

How to Quit

To quit smoking, experts recommend you follow the “START” method by taking the following steps:

• S = Set a quit date
• T = Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit
• A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you'll face while quitting
• R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work
• T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit

Help Along the Way

To help you quit, you may want to join a smoking cessation program, such as the American Cancer Society’s Quitline. Studies show that Quitline, a phone-based counseling program, nearly doubles your chances of quitting. American Standard employees can participate at a reduced rate; for more information about Quitline, call a LifeSteps health coach at 1-877-LIFE-123 or visit LifeSteps online at http://MyStandard or www.asdlifesteps.com.

If you’d prefer to share your experiences with others who are also trying to quit, a support group can be a source of comfort and encouragement. To find a support group in your area, talk to your doctor, local hospital, or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

What to Expect

Be prepared for your body’s reaction to giving up tobacco. Common symptoms include:

Sleeplessness

• Impaired ability to think clearly
• Nervousness, restlessness anger, or depression
• Hunger or weight gain

If you experience withdrawal symptoms, remember that they’re temporary. Your body needs time to adjust to not having nicotine, but you’ll be back to normal in time.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

To ease cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, many people turn to nicotine replacement therapy – which allows you to have nicotine without smoking or using tobacco. Nicotine replacement therapy is available in skin patches, chewing gum, and lozenges without a prescription, while nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription. Other products that can help include the prescription drugs Zyban (bupropion) and Chantix. Both medications are available to you at no cost when you participate in the Quitline program.

Using prescription drugs or nicotine replacement therapy can double your chances of successfully quitting smoking. What’s more, the two treatments can be combined. If you can’t use them or they don’t work for you, other prescription drugs are available – talk to your doctor about the best options for you.

Quitting = Extra $$ in Your Paycheck!

Personal health information provided to a LifeSteps health coach is protected by federal and state privacy laws and will not be disclosed to American Standard Companies except as authorized by law for administration of the company's group health plans.