HEALTH & WEALTH

How to Quit Smoking In Six Steps
There are several steps to follow when you want to quit smoking. Each step will take you closer to your goal and are necessary to be able to succeed. Do not skip any of the described steps below.
Step One - Rid your home of any telltale signs that a smoker ever lived there. This includes throwing out all unused packs of cigarettes. Clean all fabric items to rid your home of the tobacco odor. Get rid of or throw out all ashtrays, or anything that reminds you of smoking. Completely wash all clothes and bed linens so that there will be no lingering smell of smoke that may tempt you to light up.
Open windows to let in fresh air and spray air freshener. Do not leave any trace of tobacco smell anywhere.
Step Two - Quit on a weekend if you work away from home, because the stress of the office is usually too much for those trying to quit. Inform all family member, friends and co-workers of your goal to quit smoking. Stay away from friends, family members and co-workers while they are smoking and excuse yourself when you are with them and they start to light up. When you are trying to quit and you see someone light up, you will feel intense cravings and may not be able to resist.
Step Three - Do not let anyone smoke in your home or vehicle. Your vehicle quarters are too small and the sight and smell will be too much of a temptation. Any smoking that happens in your home will necessitate another through cleaning to again rid it of any evidence of cigarette smoking.
Step Four – Make yourself an appointment at the dentist for a cleaning, so that your teeth will be really clean. This will also motivate you to keep them clean. Chew gum or candy to help you work past the urge to smoke. Try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during the first month because the association between drinking and smoking is too great. Avoid entertainment places where smoking is popular as this will likely be too tempting for you, especially in the beginning.
Step Five – Stay focused and motivated. Keep pictures around you of why you are quitting and when you feel a weak moment, get out your pictures. Reward yourself with a reward for every milestone along the way. Make these rewards something that is fun and not related to smoking. Celebrating every small victory will bring you closer to the real celebration when you know that you have successfully kicked the habit. When you have reached your goal of being smoke free for X number of months then throw yourself a huge smoke-free party.
Step Six – Surround yourself with support from family and friends, community support groups and others who are quitting or whom have successfully gone smoke free. Chatting with others who truly understand your temptations can inspire you and give you strength.
Quit Smoking Aids and How it Feels When you Stop
There are many aids for quitting smoking they include: nicotine and non-nicotine-based quit smoking aids. There are also gum, inhaler, nasal sprays and nicotine lozenges. You can also use acupuncture, bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin), and hypnosis.
The drug bupropion is marketed as Zyban®, Wellbutrin® SR and Wellbutrin® XL by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and is a prescription-strength anti-depressant that is used to help people quit smoking by reducing their nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
NRT's are Nicotine Replacement Therapy and can take the form of patches, injections, inhalers or gum. The patch is known as a nicotine transdermal system. It is one of the most popular NRT. NRT's are not recommended for long-term use. In order for NRT's to work, the person must be committed to quitting and willing to use them as directed.
A popular nicotine gum is Nicorette®. The gum is not to be used for more than 6 months and works best when used with a program. Do not swallow the gum or use more than 30 pieces a day. The Lozenges are for those who prefer not to use gum. Zyban® is a prescription medicine and is used along with the patch or gum. When using Zyban® and the gum together you must be monitored by a healthcare provider. The nasal spray comes in a pump and should not be used for more than 6 months. The inhaler is administered through the mouth but does not pass to the lungs; but through the mouth and throat where it then is absorbed through the mucus membranes.
If you are experiencing angina, any type of dental disease, have been diagnosed with diabetes, have high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat, an overactive thyroid, a previous heart attack, have experienced stomach problems or have had an allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives you should notify your healthcare provider. You should also let your provider know if you are or suspect you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
You will begin to notice some health benefits almost immediately after you quit smoking. These benefits are:
 Easier breathing
 More energy
 Better endurance
 More confidence
 More money to spend
 Clothing loses that awful smell
 Self-confidence and self-esteem return
 Exercise becomes easier
 Coughing subsides
 Eating habits improve because cigarettes used to replace healthy foods
 The sense of smell returns
 Your complexion may improve
 The heart muscle may feel more relaxed and more efficient
 You may experience less heartburn or indigestion
 You may also gain more respect for yourself
 Your vehicle and home will smell better
 Your teeth will start to look whiter
 Your thinking patterns should improve
 You won't experience guilt over exposing family, friends, loved ones and others to secondhand smoke anymore.
It is important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider and to weight all facts, side effects and risks with your provider before deciding on a course of action. The health benefits are many and you will enjoy your smoke-free life, you do however need to consider the route at which you arrive there to assure that you do not harm regarding methods chosen to get there.