All Posts tagged How to quit smoking

Tips To Help Quit Smoking

By 09 Mar, 2015 Women's Health , , , ,

woman with broken cigaretteWe all know that smoking causes cancer, lung and heart disease, and stroke. But smoking causes other problems specific to women and their health, such as:

And women who smoke often have a tougher time quitting than men. But research is starting to find tips specific to women that can help you quit successfully.

Timing
When you’re ready to quit, wait until just after the end of your period. Research suggests that women who stop smoking 15 days after or before menstruating have more success than those who quit at other times in their cycle. Why? It may be that PMS aggravates withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and depression.

Body Acceptance
Remind yourself that a little weight gain isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you. You may put on 5 pounds or a little more when you kick the habit, but those extra pounds tend to disappear within a year of quitting. Plus, you’ll still be healthier than you were when you were smoking.

Eating Right
Don’t try to diet while you’re trying to quit smoking. That extra deprivation is a surefire ticket to failure. Focus on eating three healthy meals a day and limiting snacks. Drink plenty of water, too.

Support
Women in general tend to seek and appreciate support when going through a tough time. Whether it’s leaning on a spouse, partner, or friend, or participating in an online forum for ex-smokers, reach out and know you’re not alone in your struggle.

Physical Help
You may want to try nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch, gum, or nasal spray. You may need to try more than one option before figuring out which method works best for you. You can also talk to your doctor about prescription cessation aids, such as Zyban or Wellbutrin. Both can be used with nicotine replacement products to boost the likelihood of success.

Move!
Try to get in a fast walk, a brisk swim or even an exercise class to help you stave off nicotine cravings and also burn excess calories.

Quitting the smoking habit is one of the best things you can do for your health. And if you are a pregnant smoker, check out these tips to quit smoking when you are expecting.

If you’re looking for a women’s medical practice that can help you achieve your overall health goals, call Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello M.D. today.

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5 Tips to Help You Quit Smoking When You’re Pregnant

By 14 Jun, 2014 Pregnancy, Reproductive health, Women's Health , , , ,

ID-100104670You may already know how hard it is to try to quit smoking. You get cravings, you get irritable, and you find yourself fighting the urge to have “just one” cigarette. But now that you’re pregnant, you know it’s never been more important to quit. Here are some tips to help you be successful and have a healthier pregnancy:

1. Have a plan

The first step toward setting yourself up for success? Setting up a plan. Quitting smoking isn’t as easy as just throwing your last pack away. You need to know what you’re going to do when those cravings hit.

  • Set a quit date. Make it public, and make yourself accountable, by telling your friends, family and co-workers. And make it as soon as possible!
  • Figure out which way will work best for you—going cold turkey or cutting back gradually.
  • Have a strategy for handling cravings. They can be difficult, so remind yourself that they only last a few minutes. Chew a piece of gum, have a piece of candy, go for a quick walk or make a phone call. Do something that distracts your mind for a few minutes until the craving passes.

2. Ask for support from people around you

Support from your friends, family and co-workers can double your chances of success. For example, if any of them are ex-smokers, ask if you can give them a quick call when a strong craving hits. If any of them still smoke, ask them not to smoke in front of you.

3. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare practitioner

However you decide to quit smoking, your doctor can help you. He or she can give you information about local support programs, talk to you about nicotine replacement therapy and encourage you through a difficult time. Continue to be honest with your practitioner over the course of the pregnancy about your successes and setbacks, so they can pay extra attention to the growth and development of your fetus if necessary.

4. Learn to motivate yourself

Giving up cigarettes is hard work. But as a pregnant woman, you have one of the best incentives to give up! Keep reminding yourself of the benefits of quitting, both for your unborn baby and your own health.

5. Don’t give up if you have a relapse

If you do start smoking again while trying to quit, don’t punish yourself, and don’t give up. Your ultimate goal is to kick the habit for good, so just go back to your plan. Don’t think of yourself as a failure, and be assured that your cravings and withdrawal symptoms will fade within weeks.

At Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, our goal is to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Please contact us if you’re looking for support to quit smoking, we can provide resources and tools to help you kick the smoking habit for good!

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