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6 Tips to Quit Smoking in Louisiana

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Smoking and vaping nicotine is highly addictive and can endanger your health. Smoking causes over 480,000 deaths a year in the United States alone. Deciding to quit can protect your health and the wellness of those around you. And the Cardiovascular Institute of the South is here to help! We know that your journey to quitting comes with challenges, and we are here to support you with tips and tools for success. Take a look at six tips to help you quit smoking in Louisiana and start your journey.

1. Start By Understanding Your Reasons for Quitting

Why do you want to quit smoking? Are you having trouble breathing or have a concerning cough? Maybe you want to save money or protect those around you from secondhand smoke. Whatever your “why” is, this is the major motivation that will help you stay on track. Remember that there is no “right” reason for quitting. Your decision to quit is specifically yours and can help fuel your drive for success.

2. Identify Your Triggers

It’s important to be aware of your triggers as you begin your journey to quit smoking. Stress, boredom, seeing others smoking, or general withdrawal can make you want to pick up a cigarette or vape. By identifying these triggers, you can create a personalized prevention strategy to help fight the urges. Try working through physical practices of deep breathing or meditation. Go for a walk, or keep healthy snacks on hand to distract you. New hobbies, spending time with your supportive friends and family, and exercising can all take your mind off your cravings. This can give you a greater chance of maintaining your decision. 

3. Determine the Right Quit Day and Quit Method for You

Quitting cold turkey on a Monday may work for some, but not for all. That’s why it’s important to plan out a “quit day” and the right method that works for you! Choose a quit day within the next week, and share that date with your support group. Make a promise to yourself to quit smoking or vaping, and include your reasons for why. Before your quit day, make sure that you have thrown away all of your cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, and tobacco products. And, have healthy foods and activities in place to help you overcome your cravings. Then when the day comes, get started! You may quit cold turkey, or you may have a plan for gradually smoking fewer cigarettes each day. No matter your method, be ready to take the first steps on your quit day.

4. Know That Vaping Isn’t Any Healthier

Vapes or e-cigarettes may seem like a better option than traditional cigarettes, but these still have the potential to cause lung injuries. While vaping is gentler on the lungs than cigarettes, it can contribute to hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that youths, young adults, pregnant women, and adults avoid the use of nicotine-containing vaping products. Aside from damaging your lungs, vaping nicotine can raise your blood pressure, lead to addiction, and increase your chances of a heart attack. Choose to quit smoking and vaping, and turn to our Louisiana professionals for help! For healthier alternatives, talk to your doctor about tools to help you quit, like nicotine patches and gum.

5. Don’t Let a Slip-Up Stop Your Progress

Your journey to going tobacco-free may not come without setbacks. If you end up smoking or vaping again, don’t let the slip-up keep you from moving forward. Instead, take a moment to reflect on why you decided to quit in the first place. Start again right away and reach out to your support network for help. Look at how far you have already come, and make goals to get even farther. Remember that a mistake does not throw your hard work and success away. Instead, use it as fuel to propel you forward. 

6. Reach Out to the Professionals for Help

The Cardiovascular Institute of the South knows that support is necessary to success. With our smoking cessation program, you have access to professional evaluations, medical treatment, and group or individual counseling sessions. We can help you pick the best quit date for you, understand what financial aid is available to you, and find caring support to help you succeed. Whether this is your first or fifth attempt at going tobacco-free, we are here to help you quit for good. If you’re ready to learn more about our program and commit to quitting, give us a call at 877-288-0011 today.

Make the Commitment to Quit Smoking

Are you ready to quit smoking and need help getting started?  Cardiovascular Institute of the South is here to help you start the road to success. Reach out to our expert tobacco cessation team today for more information about our smoking cessation program. Our quit success rate is five times higher than the national average. We work with you to develop a personalized quit plan. We are here to support you as you pursue a healthier, tobacco-free lifestyle. You're one call closer to quit!

CIS Commit to Quit Program

1-877-288-0011

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CIS Staff

Written by CIS Staff