News release: Colorado - Denver/Boulder

November 30, 1999

For more information, call:
Steve Krizman
Kaiser Permanente
Phone: (303) 344-7932
E-mail: Steve.A.Krizman@kp.org

New Year a good time to resolve to quit smoking

Denver, CO – This is a good time of year to be thinking about smoking cessation, says Eric France, assistant director of preventive medicine for Kaiser Permanente. It's important to plan your strategy and set a firm date to quit, and what better time than January 1, the dawn of the new millennium, France says.

"Tobacco use accounts for one in five deaths in the United States," France says. "Those deaths certainly are preventable. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to improve your health."

That one step can add years to their lives by preventing heart disease, emphysema, stroke and cancer.

Smokers would do well to ask their doctor or nurse for help in quitting smoking.

"There are new prescription medicines that have been effective in helping people quit smoking, and you should ask your doctor about them," France says.

Health care professionals also can provide tips for quitting and discuss the merits of smoking-cessation aids such as the nicotine patch. They can refer their patients to reputable stop-smoking clinics.

The general public may participate in stop-smoking classes held year-round at Kaiser Permanente medical offices throughout the metro area. The programs range from free support group meetings to a low-cost, 10-session clinic that helps participants create a stop-smoking strategy and carry it out. More information is available by calling (303) 344-7255.

Tobacco use declined steadily over three decades, but now is holding steady at 25 percent of adults. France says public health officials are particularly concerned about an increase in use among young adults -- from 22 percent in 1993 to 28 percent in 1997.

France offers the following tips for successfully kicking the habit:

Decide whether it's best for you to quit "cold turkey" or reduce gradually.
Pick a date to quit and stick to it.
Tell a friend or partner that you're trying to quit. Support from family and friends will improve your chances of success.
Physical withdrawal symptoms can last one to three weeks, but the worst is over in the first few days. Urges pass quickly, so do something to help you past each one: Chew sugarless gum, brush your teeth, go for a walk, keep your hands busy.
Avoid situations and settings you associate with smoking. Choose to quit when you expect stress to be at a minimum.
Drink plenty of water to flush nicotine from your system. Drink little, if any, alcohol.
Take up smoke-free activities such as riding a bike, playing racquetball, going to the movies.
Have low-calorie snacks on hand to meet urges to munch.
If you slip up, forgive yourself and don't lose faith in your ability to eventually kick the habit.
Think of yourself as an ex-smoker.
If you choose to use a stop-smoking aid such as a nicotine patch, remember that their success rate is greatly enhanced by attending a smoking cessation class or support group.