Patient Education

 

Stop Smoking

No SmokingSmoking cigarettes is a major risk factor for heart disease as well as many other diseases. In fact is it estimated that 1 in 5 Americans die each year from smoking-related diseases. If you smoke, you have good reason to worry about its effect on your health and the health of your loved ones.

Your decision to quit is the most important health decision that you'll ever make. No matter how much or how long you've smoked, when you quit your risk of heart disease diminishes. In fact, three years after quitting your risk of heart disease is almost the same as if you'd never smoked. Heart & Vascular Associates of Northern New Jersey would like to support your efforts by providing you with the following resources and tips.

Stop Smoking Resources

Stop Smoking Tips
  • Set a target date and tell everyone that you're quitting
  • Make a list of your reasons for quitting and say them often
  • Keep a positive attitude
  • Delay lighting up at first for 2 minutes, gradually extending the length of time
  • Keep busy
  • Keep a supply of healthy snacks handy
  • Reduce the amount of coffee and alcohol you drink
  • Increase your exercise
  • Make specific plans for what you'll do when the urge hits. The urge will pass in a few minutes whether you smoke or not.
  • Remove all cigarettes, ashtrays, matches and lighters from your home, workplace and car
  • Go where there's no smoking allowed such as the non-smoking section of a restaurant
  • Learn to relax - try deep breathing
  • Ask your doctor about using a nicotine replacement product
  • Call a friend or one of the local agencies for support when you need it
  • Reward yourself at the end of the day for not smoking

Group Support Clinics

 Generally offered through health agencies and worksites. Most programs run for several weeks and provide structured group support

Self-Help Resources

Printed materials, audio and video tapes are available from local agencies.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine skin patches and nicotine are prescribed by a physician or dentist and used to ease cravings for cigarettes. NRT works best when combined with a behavioral cessation program.

Alternative Approches

Hypnosis, acupuncture and other methods are available

Smoking Cessation Programs

Various programs offered by Cancer Action, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and American Heart Association