Ten tips for cessation of smoking

Dr Zakir H Mridha

Quitting smoking is hard, but one can do it. This is the single most important step that smokers can take to prevent multitude of diseases and enhance the length and quality of their lives. The following tips will help you to quit smoking and retain the status of ex-smoker forever. 1. Believe in yourself that you can quit. 2. Write down why you want to quit (the benefits of quitting). 3. Ask your family and friends to support your decision to quit. 4. Talk with your doctor about quitting. 5. Begin an exercise programme. 6. Do some deep breathing each day for 3-5 minutes. 7. Drink plenty of water. 8. Learn what triggers your desire for a cigarette. 9. Replace negative habits with positive ones. 10. After you quit, plan to celebrate the milestones in your journey to becoming a non-smoker. Everyone has the ability inside to make a difference. Let's make it with quitting smoking.
The writer woks at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. E-mail: zmridha@yahoo.com