If you are concerned about the health of your heart, one of the primary and most important things to do is quit smoking. Avoiding and abstaining from smoking will heal the nicotine damage caused to your heart. This will enable you to lead a long and healthy life. Here are the reasons why you should quit smoking for the sake of your heart:
You can quit smoking most effectively by combining behavioural support along with prescribed medication. People using this type of multi-treatment are likely to become successful at quitting smoking. You should consult a specialist who is certified in tobacco treatment, who will provide you with a plan. It will include counselling, medicines and a nicotine replacement therapy. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Cardiologist.
Ready to Quit? Then Expect this!
Withdrawal Symptoms: Be aware that the withdrawal symptoms may begin as soon as four hours after the last cigarette, generally peak in intensity at three to five days, and disappear after two weeks. Withdrawal
Symptoms can be
Physical like Headache, tingling in the hands and feet, sweating, gastro-intestinal (cramps, nausea) and/or Mental like tension, craving, anxiety to withdrawal, feelings of dependency, temper tantrums, irritability, intense needs, , insomnia, mental confusion, strong emotional and mental responses like feelings of being an infant.
Plan to Quit:
Before you plan to quit, ask a few questions to yourself like,
– Be clear about your reason & readiness to stop.
– Draw up an action plan.
– Set a date and stick to it.
– Plan what you will do instead of smoking.
– Give up completely.
– Don’t allow even a quick puff.
– Make quitting number one priority.
– Particularly in the first crucial week.
– Plan it with your friends, agree to support each other and make a pact not to let each other down.
– Make sure all cigs are destroyed.
– Get rid of all smoking reminders.
– Stay away from people who smoke.
– Keep busy.
– Pamper yourself.
– Decide what you are going to do with the saved money and put it aside.
– Try to avoid danger areas.
– Find activities that focus the hands and mind but are not taxing or fattening: computer games, solitaire, sewing, crossword puzzles, etc.
– Set quitting goals on a day to day basis and reward yourself when they are met.
– Think repeatedly about the advantages of quitting.
– Do deep breathing exercises.
Intense Cravings:
When the cravings become uncontrollable, try these 5 D’s
– Delay
– Deep breathing
– Decide
– Drink water
– Do something else
Pharmacological Agents:
Your physician can prescribe you one of the following treatment options to help you quit.
Always Remember: MOTIVATION IS THE ONLY KEY TO SUCCESS !
If you are concerned about the health of your heart, one of the primary and most important things to do is quit smoking. Avoiding and abstaining from smoking will heal the nicotine damage caused to your heart. This will enable you to lead a long and healthy life. Here are the reasons why you should quit smoking for the sake of your heart:
You can quit smoking most effectively by combining behavioural support along with prescribed medication. People using this type of multi-treatment are likely to become successful at quitting smoking. You should consult a specialist who is certified in tobacco treatment, who will provide you with a plan. It will include counselling, medicines and a nicotine replacement therapy.