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Stop smoking. Start living.

Date: 01/17/22

Cigarettes are killers that travel in packs. Don’t let them take away your chance at a healthy new year. January 17th kicks off National Non-smoking Week. This is the perfect time to kick the habit.

In Louisiana, 20.5% of adults smoke regularly. That means 1 of every 5 Louisianans are regular smokers. According to the CDC, smoking leads to disease and harms nearly every organ of the body. More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and more.

When you smoke, you are not the only one who is affected. Breathing in secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop respiratory infections and diseases.

Remember: You’re never too old or too young to quit tobacco.

Why should I quit?

There are so many reasons to stop smoking. The most important reason is your health. Quitting can lead to improved lung function, better sleep, healthier looking skin, heart benefits, decreased cancer risk, and a longer life.

Quitting can also help you save money. Cigarettes are expensive. When you give up a 1 pack a day smoking habit costing around $6.00, you can save over $2,000 a year.

Did you know? When you quit, your food may taste better. Smoking dulls your sense of smell and taste. When you quit and regain your senses, you may notice a difference in your meals.

Ready to quit?

Quitting smoking is difficult, but there are things you can do to make it easier on you and your loved ones. Here are some tips:

  • Take a deep breath. This may sound simple but taking a deep breath when you notice a craving can help you fight the urge.
  • Focus on your “why.” Whether you are quitting for your health, your family, or yourself, it’s important to have a reason motivating you. When quitting gets hard, think about your reasons for quitting. This will help you stay strong through your journey.
  • Be patient with yourself. Quitting looks different for everyone at first. If you slip up a couple times, don’t give up. Statistics show that it usually takes smokers multiple times to quit.

For more information about quitting and support visit https://quitwithusla.org/.