Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout by smoking less or quitting for the day. The event aims to challenge smokers to go one leap further and quit for good. The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) joins the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) efforts to raise awareness about the harms of tobacco use and the benefits of smoking cessation by sharing the following information with readers.

4 Steps to a Smoke-Free Future

• Decide to quit.

Each year in New York State, 25,000 residents die as a result of cigarette use, losing an average of 14 years of life. Approximately 570,000 residents suffer from serious tobacco-related diseases, and each year the state and its residents spend $6.4 billion to treat these diseases. Tobacco use, therefore, continues to be the state’s leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality.

Among New Yorkers, smoking is most prevalent among young adults (26 percent). Data suggests that more than 80 percent of smokers tried their first cigarette before age 18 and that earlier onset often correlates with a more severe addiction. Statistics further show that while only 17 percent of women smoke (as opposed to 20 percent of men), there has been an increase in lung cancer incidences and mortality rates in women, whereas men’s rates are declining.

• Set a quit date; choose a quit plan.

The Great American Smokeout, observed every year on the third Thursday of November, provides a good starti-ng point. However, most tobacco users will try to quit “cold turkey” - that is, abruptly and totally. Quitting tobacco takes a strong commitment over a long period of time. Nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, but replacements are most effective when used as part of a smoking cessation plan - created with the help of your physician and/or another support system - that addresses both the physical and psychological components of quitting.

• Deal with Withdrawal.

Withdrawal from nicotine has two distinct parts - the physical and the psychological. The physical symptoms, while uncomfortable, are not life-threatening. Nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce many of these physical symptoms. Most people, however, find that the bigger challenge of quitting is the psychological. If you have been using tobacco for any length of time, it has become linked with many of your activities. It is important to address this psychological component and reevaluate lifestyle choices and habits in order to remain committed to quitting.

• Stay quit.

To successfully give up tobacco and not return to its use usually requires the advice and help of a support network and reliable information sources. Your doctor may have participated in one of MSSNY’s physician training programs on smoking cessation and, therefore, be particularly helpful in counseling and treating you. Family and friends can also be helpful.

Valuable information resources also include the New York State Department of Health, which has a quitline at 866-NY-QUITS and a website at health.state.ny.us/. The American Cancer Society also has a helpful hotline at 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) and a website at cancer.org/

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, log on to MSSNY’s website at http://www.mssny.org or contact your local county medical society. society.