31 May is recognised by WHO as World No Tobacco Day. Theme this year is ‘quit tobacco to be a winner’
Starting off at young age, accessibility to tobacco products is an important environmental factor that influences smoking initiation by adolescents. In numerous surveys conducted since the late 1980s, youth often self-reported that their most common source of cigarettes was purchase from retail stores.
Low price makes it easily accessible. The smoking behaviour among young adults (20 through 25 years old) was more sensitive to price changes than that among older persons and that male smokers, particularly those aged 20 through 35 years, were quite responsive to price, whereas female smokers were essentially unaffected by price. Also, the smoking behaviour among women, was found to be virtually unaffected by restrictions on cigarette smoking. Family conflict influences tobacco use indirectly and that the mechanism among girls and boys is similar. The reasons might be innumerable but what needs to be addressed is how to Stop Smoking for Your Lung Health.
To successfully stop smoking, one needs to address the addiction as well as the routine that goes along with it. No matter how many times you have failed, with the right support and quit plan, any smoker can kick the addiction.
What can I do to Quit Smoking?
- Remove all reminders and triggers of smoking.
- Try to work out ways to change things up and disrupt your urge to smoke.
- Easy said than done, swap your first cigarette for a glass of water. This will change your routine and help you stay hydrated.
- If driving to work is one of your smoking triggers, try taking a different route and turn up the radio and sing along. It’s not easy to smoke while you sing, and great tunes can improve your mood as well.
- Look for a quit buddy who wants to stop smoking as well. You can help each other get through the rough times.
- Prepare ahead for common challenges, such as nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal symptoms. You can also get many products over the counter at your local pharmacy, including nicotine patches, lozenges, and gum.
To successfully stop smoking, you’ll need to address both the addiction and the habits and routines that go along with it. But it can be done. With the right support and quit plan, any smoker can kick the addiction—even if you’ve tried and failed multiple times before.