It\u2019s never too late to quit smoking. Just ask Victor C., a 48 year-old resident of Manhattan. He smoked for more than 30 years but is now living a smoke-free life thanks to support from his healthcare provider and the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline. <\/p>\n
The phone lines at the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline will be exceptionally busy during the month of January, as many try \u2013 or try again \u2013 to quit smoking as a New Year\u2019s resolution. Smoking is one of the hardest addictions to break and unfortunately remains the leading cause of preventable death statewide and nationwide. But by using a support system and medications and then developing healthier routines, New Yorkers looking to quit smoking can achieve success like Victor.<\/p>\n
Victor began smoking at age 17 due to peer pressure and \u201changing around with friends who smoked.\u201d He said he regularly smoked about half-a-pack a day for three decades. <\/p>\n
\u201cI always knew it was bad for my health,\u201d Victor said. \u201cAs I\u2019m getting older, I\u2019m developing arthritis and really don\u2019t want to have to go on strong pain medications. I finally reached a point where smoking just didn\u2019t make sense anymore. It was costing so much money and I couldn\u2019t stand the way I smelled.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a recent visit to Betances Health Center for a check-up, Victor received a referral to the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline from his healthcare provider, Diane Rhoden, MD. <\/p>\n
The Center\u2019s MIS (Management Information System) Director, Orlando Perez, works closely with Rhoden and advises fellow healthcare providers to offer additional assistance to their tobacco-using patients through the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline\u2019s Opt-to-Quit\u2122 patient referral program.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, the Quitline is like a case manager,\u201d Perez said. \u201cIt gives our providers added assistance and educational materials. Working together with the Quitline, there\u2019s a real sense of accomplishment knowing we\u2019re saving lives or adding years to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a call with the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline to develop a customized quit-plan, Victor received nicotine replacement therapy in the form of lozenges. He later followed up with a Quit Coach to learn additional tips on how to beat cravings and has maintained a smoke-free life since the early fall of 2017. Although Victor was able to quit on his first try through support from the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline and his healthcare provider, he knows that quitting can take numerous attempts for most smokers.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those who are trying to quit, I would recommend they call the Quitline anytime they have a major urge to smoke,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s very important to have a support system. With quitting, you\u2019ve got to talk it through. If you talk about it with others, you\u2019ll get the help you need and take action. For me, one of the biggest factors of support was the conversation with the Quit Coaches.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since quitting smoking, Victor feels less worried in his life and walks and runs more. One way he reminds himself about the many benefits of being smoke-free is by putting $8 in a jar every day and then enjoying the extra cash at the end of each month. To those who have tried quitting before but still have not broken the habit, Victor says keep the faith and try again. \u201cSooner or later, enough is enough \u2013 it will work,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Each smoker has a unique background and varying issues related to quitting, which is why Quit Coaches will work to develop personalized quit-plans. Nevertheless, when it comes to avoiding relapses, some tips are universal. Here are a few of those tips \u2013 as offered by some of the Quit Coaches at the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline \u2013 for smokers as they try to follow through with their New Year\u2019s resolution to quit in 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cPut a glass of water by your bed. When you wake up, your new routine can be to start with a sip of water instead of lighting up.\u201d \u2013 Darlene D.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t beat yourself up if you have a lapse. Figure out the reason for the lapse, and develop a plan so that you learn from the mistake when you try again.\u201d \u2013 Rich S.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cRemember that you\u2019ll feel the health benefits right away. Nicotine will be out of your bloodstream in 72 hours after you quit.\u201d \u2013 Angie D. <\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cTry initially to avoid activities where you and friends would normally smoke, until you feel comfortable enough being around other smokers.\u201d \u2013 Caitlin H.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cAlways remember why you decided you quit.\u201d \u2013 Kathy W.<\/i><\/p>\n
The New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline is available as a free resource for all New Yorkers seeking help to quit smoking. Quit Coaches can provide personalized coaching support and check eligibility for a starter kit of nicotine replacement therapy. In addition, the New York State Smokers\u2019 Quitline recommends smokers talk to their healthcare providers about quitting and ask for a prescription for stop-smoking medications \u2013 most of which are covered by health insurance plans.<\/p>\n