2. Be Tobacco Free
Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke to prolong your life and protect those around you.
Smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death in New York City, killing 10,000 New Yorkers every year. On average, smokers die 14 years younger than non-smokers. Smoking increases a person's risk of heart disease, stroke, many cancers (lung, mouth, throat, and esophagus), blindness, Alzheimer's disease, and much more. Smoking causes many problems in pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature labor, and low birthweight.
Second-hand smoke is also dangerous. It causes cancer, heart disease, and many other illnesses. Babies with a parent who smokes are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. And babies and children who live with second-hand smoke are much more likely to have asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia.
If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do for your health.
What to Do
If you smoke, get help to quit.
When you quit, you greatly and rapidly lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and steadily reduce your risk of lung cancer. These tips have helped many people:
- • Prepare in advance. Write down your reasons for quitting.
- • Talk to your doctor. To double your chance of success, consider using a nicotine replacement product, such as the patch or gum, and medication such as Zyban.
- • Get a "quitting buddy," either another smoker who wants to quit, or a non-smoker you can talk to when you need support.
- • Pick a quit date. Prepare for it by throwing out ashtrays and lighters. When the day comes, get rid of all your cigarettes.
- • Avoid anything that triggers your cravings, including alcohol, caffeine, and stress. It also helps to stay away from smokers for awhile.
- • Drink lots of water.
- • Exercise to relieve stress, raise your spirits, and improve your health. A 30-minute, brisk walk at least 4 days a week is enough for many people
- • Remember that withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, cravings, and trouble concentrating, are temporary. Nicotine replacement products and other medications greatly ease withdrawal symptoms.
Stay Away-and Keep Children Away-From Second-Hand Smoke
- • If you smoke, quit now.
- • Establish a smoke-free home.
- • Don't let anybody smoke around your children.
Talk to your doctor. For free help to quit smoking, call 311 and ask for the Smokers' Quitline.
Additional Information and Tools
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