Great American Smokeout encourages quitting tobacco--even for just a day

The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, Nov. 18. It's an annual event that creates the opportunity to begin a tobacco-free life. Organizers say quitting smoking doesn’t have to be done in a day, but it does start with day one. 

For help quitting tobacco, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit NevadaTobaccoQuitline.com     

All of us--healthcare providers, community partners, even employers--can help tobacco users take steps to quit by providing support and understanding. Quitting can be hard, and it takes time.

Here are some tips and things to consider that may help smokers to quit:

• The Truth Initiative notes willpower can be hard. Tools such as nicotine replacement therapy, offered free by Nevada's tobacco quitline, can help curb cravings while modifying habits.
• Experts say avoiding triggers is key. Smokers may need to avoid bars or outdoor employee break areas if those are the places they often light up. Changing habits to avoid triggers can go a long way in quitting.
• The Mayo Clinic suggests trying to delay using tobacco. When a craving strikes, wait 10 minutes. Best case, the craving will go away. Worst case, you've extended the time between smokes, which if you can continue to extend that time, will cut down usage gradually.
• Get support. No one has to quit alone. Enlist the help of friends or family, or call trained support professionals at Nevada's tobacco quitline.
• Set goals for your life without tobacco, especially ones that are immediate and achievable--saving money, smelling fresher, saving your friends and family from secondhand smoke.
• Add exercise and mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage the stress that often leads to smoking.