1. How Smoking Affects Your Looks & Life Slideshow
2. Tips to Quit Smoking Slideshow
3. Take the Quiz on Smoking

In this Article

• Smoking and heart disease introduction
• How does smoking increase heart disease risk?
• How can quitting smoking be helpful?
• How to quit smoking
• What should I do first to stop smoking?
• How can I avoid smoking again?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Smoking and Heart Disease Index

Now that you know how smoking can be harmful to your health and the health of those around you, here are some ways quitting can be helpful. If you quit smoking, you will:

• Prolong your life.
  
  
• Reduce your risk of disease (including heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, ulcers, gum disease, and other conditions).
  
  
• Feel healthier. After quitting, you won't cough as much, you'll have fewer sore throats and you will increase your stamina.
  
  
• Look better. Quitting can help you prevent face wrinkles, get rid of stained teeth, and improve your skin.
  
  
• Improve your sense of taste and smell.
  
  
• Save money.

There's no one way to quit smoking that works for everyone. To quit, you must be ready both emotionally and mentally. You must also want to quit smoking for yourself and not to please your friends or family. It helps to plan ahead. This guide may help get you started.

Pick a date to stop smoking and then stick to it.

Write down your reasons for quitting smoking. Read over the list every day, before and after you quit. Here are some tips to think about.

• Write down when you smoke, why you smoke, and what you are doing when you smoke. You will learn what triggers you to smoke.
  
  
• Stop smoking cigarettes in certain situations (such as during your work break or after dinner) before actually quitting.
  
  
• Make a list of activities you can do instead of smoking. Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke.
  
  
• Ask your doctor about using nicotine gum or patches. Some people find these aids helpful.
  
  
• Join a smoking cessation support group or program. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association.

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