Ivory: Seven tips to quit smoking in 2017

David Kohler, a resident a Hugh Taylor Apartments, smokes a cigarette as he talks about the proposed ban on smoking in public housing in November of 2015. Bill Lackey/Staff

David Kohler, a resident a Hugh Taylor Apartments, smokes a cigarette as he talks about the proposed ban on smoking in public housing in November of 2015. Bill Lackey/Staff

Quitting smoking is not easy, but quitting for good is possible. Try following these seven tips used as part of the Community Mercy REACH, Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Treatment program:

Choose a quit date:

• At least 3 weeks from the date your plan begins.

• Choose a time that is in your regular rhythm of life.

RELATED: Springfield, Clark County work to shed unhealthy image

MORE COVERAGE: Healthy Springfield series

Journal the reasons why you want to stop smoking

• Improved health, breathe easier, smell better

• feel good about self/be in control

• more energy and more money

Identify your smoking patterns and focus on change by reducing your use by at least 50% prior to quitting:

• Complete a tobacco log and adjust your daily routine

Identify the positive behavior that will replace the 50%, such as exercise, new hobby, and relaxation techniques.

• Decide if you will use a medication or Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help ease withdrawal symptoms:

• Antidepressants

• Nicotine Replacement Therapies- Patch, Gum, Lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray

• Chantix

• Combination

Identify your triggers and attempt to avoid people, places and things that will tempt you:

• Caffeine/alcohol

• Other smokers

• Stress/boredom/after meals/driving

Identify coping skills that will assist you with your triggers:

• Drink more water or switch to juices, tea

• Plan events with non-smoking friends and non-smoking places

• Relaxation, stress management

• Develop a quit kit-healthy snacks, hard candy, gum, toothpicks, rubber bands

Get support and plan for a healthier lifestyle:

• Eating healthy and exercising

• Get more rest and take a multivitamin

• Reward yourself

Make the commitment, accept the challenge, reduce barriers, prepare to quit…develop a plan, and prepare for a lifestyle change. Let REACH assist with your New Year’s resolutions. The first free treatment program begins Jan. 9. For more information, call 937-390-5338.

Marcy Ivory is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and the Tobacco Education Coordinator at Community Mercy REACH.


Healthy Springfield: About this series

Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year the News-Sun dug into the public health issues facing the city, including obesity and minority health disparities and efforts to improve them.

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