By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

MAKE THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE-OUT YOUR DAY TO “QUIT THE HABIT”

Question: I saw a poster in a local shopping mall about an upcoming event toward the end of November when people are encouraged to stop smoking. It was sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Can you tell me more about this event and how I can stop smoking?

Answer: The event that you saw publicized on that poster was no doubt the 27th American Cancer Society Great American Smoke-out, which is scheduled this year for Thursday, November 20th. This annual event has been used now for several decades to highlight the dangers of smoking and encourage people to quit smoking. Since you are a smoker, this day is meant for you.

Over 47 million American adults smoke cigarettes. This leads to over 1,000 deaths per day from smoking or smoking-related illnesses. While most smokers start smoking before age 20, it is never too late to quit. My mother quit smoking at age 70, after having smoked for 45 years! I was very proud of her.

Most smokers are very aware of the health risks they assume when they smoke, but they just can’t quit. So instead of me telling you how bad cigarettes are, let me see if I can give you some information to help you quit.

First you have to decide to quit. This can take quite a while for some people, but you have to WANT to quit. You have to do it for yourself. Most smokers quit three to six times before they are successful. The fact that you took the time to write me about this poster tells me that you probably have the determination you need to be successful this time.

Once you decide to quit, you need to figure out how much help you need. Some people are able to quit “cold turkey,” but many people use the nicotine patches that are available over the counter. A heavily nicotine dependent person, one who smokes more than 30 cigarettes a day and has his or her first cigarette within 30 minutes after waking, might need the 21mg nicotine patch. A lightly dependent smoker is one who smokes less than a pack per day and seldom reaches for the first cigarette for an hour or more after waking. This person may only need the 7 mg patch. The 14mg patch is for the smoker that is in between these levels.

Speak to your family physician about having him or her help you with your smoking cessation. Get a friend or family member who can coach you through tough times when you crave a cigarette.

Relapse is common in the first year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ultimately be successful. Arm yourself with information about quitting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm) and the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/helpsmok.htm) have information online. Your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association also has information.

For my other readers, I have the following advice: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, you should quit. Do it for yourself. Do it now.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnosis and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at http://www.FamilyMedicineNews.org.