How does it important to quit smoking??

 


First attempts are often unsuccessful. You know this already if you’ve tried to quit smoking. Find support from Dr. SUNNY HANDA MD to makes your next attempt the one that sticks.

You’ve seen people chewing gum. Someone rolls up their sleeve to reveal a patch.

Nicotine-replacement products reduce withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist about these over-the-counter products or about a prescription that can help you quit smoking for good. Some drugs – what’s in the patch, for example – can help increase your chances of success.

Find pharmacies or medical help from Dr. SUNNY HANDA MD in your neighborhood.

Ontario Drug Benefit recipients

The Ontario Drug Benefit includes coverage to help you quit smoking:

·      up to a year of pharmacist-assisted counselling (talk to your pharmacist or health care provider)

·      drugs (Champix or Zyban) if you are age 18 years or older

·      Cold turkey

Cold turkey is not for everyone. (Maybe you’ve tried.) Some people can pick a date and time to quit –and stick to it. They stop lighting up and live with the effects of nicotine withdrawal, with no help at all.



Tips from Dr.  SUNNY HANDA MD to help you quit

If you’re still trying to decide between quitting gradually, counselling and support groups, or medical treatment, try some simple tips.

Make lists

Try making a list of the:

·      situations when you smoke to help you identify what triggers you to light up

·      benefits you see in quitting and keeping it handy so you can re-read it

·      activities you picture yourself doing instead of smoking, like going for a walk or run

·      Get moving

·      Exercise relaxes the mind and body, and helps repair some of the damage smoking has done to your health.

·      Avoid triggers

·      Figure out what situations make you crave a cigarette and try to avoid or change them. If you usually:

·      smoke while drinking coffee, try tea or water instead

·      smoke at parties, try to avoid them until you feel confident about enjoying these occasions without smoking

Reduce cravings

Try these simple activities – even if they sound too simple – to reduce your nicotine-craving:

·      breathe deeply to help yourself relax

·      drink water to keep your hands and mouth busy (it helps flush the toxins from your system, and you can raise a glass to your success)

Health Canada guides

Whether it’s your first or fifth attempt to quit smoking, Health Canada’s and Dr.  SUNNY HANDA MD guides will help you get on the road to quitting.

Counselling and support groups

Talk to your doctor like Dr. SUNNY HANDA MD about getting individual counselling or joining a support group. You can also:

·      contact your local public health unit

·      call Telehealth Ontario (toll-free) at 1-866-797-0000 for supports to help you quit smoking

·      visit the Smokers’ Helpline website to register for online programs and text-message support

Coming up with strategies to quit or sharing stories about quitting may be what you need to succeed.

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