Vicki Barron: Be a quitter

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Steamboat Springs — If you are a tobacco user and are considering quitting, set a “Quit Date” as your first step toward a tobacco-free future. May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, a day developed by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the negative impact of tobacco around the world. Many people will either not use tobacco that day or choose May 31 as their quit date.

If you have been thinking about quitting tobacco and just need that final push, mark your calendar and start your countdown. Don’t forget to ask your family and friends to support your plan.

There are many cessation resources available, including the Colorado Quitline (800-Quit-Now or www.coquitline.org). The Quitline provides four weeks of free nicotine patches or gum to help you break your addiction and succeed. Telephone counselors are available to support you throughout the process. Another great resource is www.myquitpath.org, which allows you to choose a quit path that is right for you. Other options are over-the-counter or prescription nicotine replacement therapies that are available in your local pharmacy. Speak to your health care provider to help you decide which cessation tools will work best for you.

You can break your addiction to tobacco and live a tobacco-free life.

Vicki Barron, RN, AE-C

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association’s Tobacco Education and Prevention Program

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Comments

sledneck 1 year, 11 months ago

Way to go Vicki. A reasoned appeal to smokers to save their own lives. No threats or laws or taxes or punishment, just reasonable advice.

Thanks

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