“Quitting Smoking is easy…I’ve done it a thousand times”
-Mark Twain
Sound familiar? Truth is, it usually takes smokers a few times to try to stop smoking before they are successful.
The good news is millions of people successfully quit smoking each year. And you can be successful, too!
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I REALLY want to quit smoking?
- Am I ready to make some changes in my daily routine?
- Am I ready to put up with some temporary discomfort?
If you answered “yes” to all these questions, CONGRATULATIONS!
You are on your way.
The New York State Smokers’ Quitline offers:
- FREE starter kit of Nicotine Patches, Gum or Lozenges for eligible NYS smokers
- Trained Quitline Specialists offering help with quit plans
- Information about local stop smoking programs
- Informational taped messages
Click on the picture below to visit the NYS Smokers' Quitline website. (http://www.nysmokefree.com/newweb/default.aspx)
NYS Medicaid Program & Family Health Plus
CLICK HERE for a brochure on the benefits to Stop Smoking through New York State Medicaid and Family Health Plus. This lists coverage for certain medications. (pdf)
CLICK HERE for a brochure on Family Health Plus Pharmacy Benefits. (pdf)
CLICK HERE for Medicaid smoking cessation on counseling pregnant women.
Tips for Quitting
When you quit, you greatly and rapidly lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and steadily reduce your risk of lung cancer. These tips have helped many people:
- Prepare in advance. Write down your reasons for quitting.
- Talk to your doctor. To double your chance of success, consider using a nicotine replacement product, such as the patch or gum, and medication such as Zyban.
- Get a "quitting buddy," either another smoker who wants to quit, or a non-smoker you can talk to when you need support.
- Pick a quit date. Prepare for it by throwing out ashtrays and lighters. When the day comes, get rid of all your cigarettes.
- Avoid anything that triggers your cravings, including alcohol, caffeine, and stress. It also helps to stay away from smokers for awhile.
- Drink lots of water.
- Exercise to relieve stress, raise your spirits, and improve your health. A 30-minute, brisk walk at least 4 days a week is enough for many people
- Remember that withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, cravings, and trouble concentrating, are temporary. Nicotine replacement products and other medications greatly ease withdrawal symptoms.
Click HERE to download the U.S. Public Health Service “You Can Quit Smoking” Consumer Guide*
Local Resources
- Angell Hill Wellness Center
25 Kinderhook Street
Chatham, NY 12037
Kathleen Palladino, RN
518-392-2160
Health Counseling supports smoking cessation through development of an individualized program that includes lifestyle changes, nutrition and supplementation (vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathic remedies, etc)
- Dr. Ellen S. Forman
--Quit and Stay Quit!
430 E. Allen St. #7
Hudson, NY
518 828 7400
Email: Doctoresf@aol.com
A 6 session program incorporating both traditional and alternative approaches to tobacco treatment with Ellen S. Forman, Phd, LCAT, ADTR, DAPA,CASAC, MAC, LMHC, BCPC. Dr. Forman’s 20 years of experience doing psychotherapy, addiction and nutritional counseling allows her a unique perspective in creating individualized solutions to the behavioral triggers that lead to relapse. Her 1:1 work is effective with individuals who have had multiple quit attempts.
The fee is $150.00 for the program. Cash, checks, major credit cards and a limited number of insurances are accepted. Most Bluecross programs are reimburseable. - Columbia Memorial Hospital
The Quit Program
Mary Daggett - Director Community Health Services & Grants
71 Prospect Ave.
Hudson, NY 12534
518 828 8100
For more information, call.
Medications that Can Help You Stop
Today, smokers don’t have to tough it out alone. New medications, some over-the-counter and some prescriptions can help take the edge off of nicotine withdrawal.
The first thing to do is discuss the various methods with your doctor, to determine which method might work best for you.
Stop-Smoking Medications - Easy Reference Chart *
*You will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. It comes on most computers, but if you don't have it you may download it free by clicking here.
