The
Great American Smokeout is on November 21 and Bill Dodds,
author of "1440 Reasons to Quit Smoking" (Meadowbrook
Press), says this is a golden opportunity to help a loved
one quit smoking. But helping a loved one kick the tobacco
habit demands tact not just facts.
"Often
the smoker knows some of the facts," Dodds says. "He
realizes he's putting his health at risk. Dodds points out
that all the reasons to quit are really the reasons to kick
the habit for good. And it's helping a loved one remain
an ex-smoker that's the real challenge.
"You're an 'ex-smoker' until you light up that next
cigarette," Dodds says. "That's really who the
book is written for—the person who wants to remain
an 'ex-smoker.' If you're someone who cares about that person,
how do you help him or her manage that, especially in those
early hours and days?"
Dodds
has the following ten suggestions for you to help someone
quit smoking:
1. Ask how you can help.
2. Don't nag! Don't become a member of the "Cigarette
Police," sniffing around to see if your loved one has
slipped up.
3. If you also smoke, take part in the Great American Smokeout
November 21. If you're going to continue to smoke, do it
somewhere else.
4. Keep substitutes handy: gum, carrots, celery, raisins,
sunflower seeds.
5. Realize that cessation classes, therapy, or nicotine
patches or gum may take a bite out of the family budget.
It's more than worth it!
6. Understand that, for a while, your loved one may find
it too tempting to be around friends and family who smoke
or to visit the usual "smoking" places—the
café, the bowling alley, the tavern, or even the
patio or deck.
7. Don't raise an eyebrow if he or she starts eating a lot.
A few extra pounds aren't a concern right now.
8. Keep in mind that quitting may have to be your loved
one's first priority for a time and so others items are
going to be put on a back burner.
9. Contact the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
for more suggestions.
10. Remember there really are at least 1,440 reasons to
quit smoking - one for every minute of the day. And each
is a great reason to kick the habit!
Dodds' book "1440 Reasons to Quit Smoking" is
jammed packed with information and suggestions on how to
quit and remain a non-smoker. There is no better time to
quit than now.
Editorial
courtesy of FeatureSource Author: FeatureSource Staff
