Sometimes in life, we have to make a change. Quitting smoking isn’t going to be easy, but it is something that can save your life! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40 percent of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. may have a link to tobacco use. They say that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer and cancer deaths. The proof is in the numbers! According to a new report by the CDC, each year between 2009 and 2013, about 660,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with, and about 343,000 people died from, cancer-related to tobacco use. Now is the time to make a change, and we are here to help you! Follow these tips to quit smoking: 

1. Find your reason

When you decide to quit smoking, it’s good to establish a reason why you’re making this choice. Most people quit because they want to be healthier and avoid being at risk for cancer. Some people quit because they don’t want to expose their loved ones to 2nd hand smoke. Whatever your reason is, you should think of it the next time you’re tempted to smoke. Remind yourself why this decision is so important to you. 

2. Throw away temptation

Get rid of all the temptation that could cause you to relapse. Throw away your cigarettes, ashtrays, and anything else that will tempt you to smoke. Be sure to wash your clothes and clean your home so you get rid of the smoke smell. These are all ways you can make quitting smoking an easier transition. 

3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Quitting smoking is another step towards adopting a healthier lifestyle. Now that you have made the choice to be healthier, you can also start incorporating better diet and exercise practices into your daily routine. Eating fruits and veggies is a great way to give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. Exercise can help keep your mind off of smoking and bring you a little closer to your goals. 

4. Ask your loved ones for help

There is nothing wrong with asking for help. You should tell your loved ones about your decision to quit smoking. This will make you accountable for your decision, and they can help you stick to it. If you have the urge to smoke, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your loved ones for encouragement. 

5. Give yourself a reward

You can use positive reinforcement to keep yourself from smoking. Each day that you go without a cigarette, you could choose a small reward to give yourself. These rewards can include buying a new book, magazine or other small gifts. You can also put all the money you used to spend on cigarettes into a jar and save it for an even bigger reward.

You don’t need to quit smoking alone. Our care management team is here to help you and available at no extra cost through your Ascension Personalized Care medical plan. Our care management team is made up of registered nurses, licensed social workers and wellness coaches who can guide you to make healthy behavior modifications to quit smoking. Call us at 866-243-6703 or email us at apccaremanagement@ascension.org.