The detrimental effects of smoking are not just limited to the lungs and heart. According to the American Cancer Society, the list of health problems caused by tobacco products also extends to leukemia, abdominal aortic aneurysm and cataracts, as well as cancers of the cervix, kidneys, pancreas and stomach.
But it's not easy to break the smoking habit. Individuals often quit - and then quit again. The relentless nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make quitting for good a challenging goal, but it can be done, according to Dorothy Metzger, R.N, a former facilitator of the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking sessions at Saint Anthony's.
She offers these tips for those trying to break the smoking habit:
• Find activities to keep your thoughts from your desire for nicotine. "Keep busy, go shopping, bake a healthy dessert or exercise," she said.
• Learn deep breathing techniques and practice them when cravings occur.
• Find a healthy replacement for tobacco, such as sugarless gum. Cinnamon candy has been know to quell the urge.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and pack healthy treats to snack on during the day such as vegetables, fruit or sugar-free candy.
• Call a friend, read a book or journal your thoughts.
"Plan a variety of techniques to delay your craving to smoke or chew tobacco, because the urge will pass," Metzger said.
For more about smoking cessation or to register for Freedom from Smoking, please call 618/465-2264.