Quitting smoking is a popular New Year's resolution each year, but how many people actually quit? Six out of 10 smokers require multiple quit attempts to stop smoking, according to the American Lung Association, but planning ahead can greatly improve a person's likelihood of quitting for good. The Tennessee Department of Health encourages tobacco users to contact the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.tnquitline.com for free help in setting a plan to quit.
“Quitting smoking is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health and the health of your family, and we’re eager to support any Tennessean who wants to take up this challenge,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Research shows smokers who use counseling as part of their quit program have a better chance of quitting. We urge all Tennesseans ready to start a tobacco-free life to take full advantage of the free resources the QuitLine provides.”
The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine offers personalized support for people who want to quit smoking and/or other tobacco products by connecting them with trained quit coaches to guide them through the quitting process. Callers will receive ongoing professional coaching via individually scheduled calls with a quit coach personally assigned to them. This convenient and confidential service is free and available to Tennessee residents in both English and Spanish. The service is also available for the deaf and hard-of-hearing at TTY: 1-877-559-3816.
If quitting smoking is on your list, check out these tips to help you succeed:
- Take time to plan: Designate a day to quit on the calendar and stick to it. Avoid peak times of stress, such as the holidays and gather in advance the tools and medications you will need.
- Seek support: You don't have to quit alone! Ask family, friends and co-workers for their help and support. Having someone to take a walk with or just listen can give a needed boost.
- Find support online or in your community. Consider joining a stop-smoking program like Freedom From Smoking® Online (www.ffsonline.org) from the American Lung Association.
- Exercise daily: Exercise is proven to help smokers quit. It will also combat weight gain and improve mood and energy levels. Walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting.
- Prioritize nutrition and sleep: Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water and be sure to get plenty of sleep.
- Talk with your health provider or pharmacist: He or she can talk with you about various over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help you quit. Be sure to use only smoking cessation products approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Visit www.lung.org/stop-smoking or call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) for additional suggestions.
