The last issue of this newsletter featured an article on women and smoking. As a woman, you may find that learning about the negative health effects of smoking can be a big motivator to quit. What else can you do to improve your efforts to kick the habit? This article can help boost your efforts to quit successfully.

Reasons to Quit
You probably already have your own reasons to stop smoking. What else have you learned about smoking and your health? Check off the following facts that you know:

I know that lung cancer — not breast cancer — is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
I know that smoking during pregnancy can cause complications and that smoking around kids puts them at risk for lung disorders.
I know that quitting smoking has both immediate and longlasting health benefits.

Develop a Stop-Smoking Plan
Now that you’ve explored your reasons for quitting, it’s time to make an action plan. Which of the following steps have you taken?

I have set a quit date, and I have told close friends and family of my intentions.
I have prepared my home and work environment to make it easier to not smoke.
I have decided on a method to stop smoking, such as a smoking-cessation group or nicotine replacement therapy.
I have talked with my doctor about a plan for how to handle nicotine withdrawal.

Learn to Deal With Lapses
One thing you should expect is that you will probably have lapses. Once you face that reality, it can be easier to deal with smoking a cigarette after you have quit. You can prevent a lapse from becoming a fullblown relapse by having a group of friends or fellow former smokers whom you can talk to if you lapse.

If you’ve checked off even one statement, you’ve taken positive steps toward reaching your goal. Keep working on it — the more statements you eventually check off, the more likely it is that you’ll be successful at stopping smoking.

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