GOOD TIME TO QUIT

When it's time to quit, it's good to know there's lots of support out there.

There's no better time than right now to quit smoking because through the BC Smoking Cessation program, everyone in the province can access 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy each calendar year, which includes access to the gum, patch, inhaler and lozenges as well as prescription medication for those who need it.

So if it takes longer than 12 weeks to overcome the nicotine cravings, therapy can continue right into the new year, too. And to increase the odds of success, QuitNow offers free information, support, and counseling by trained professionals by phone, text, or email for both cigarette and vaping cessation.

It's best to make a plan first, Lindsay Willoner, regional nursing lead for tobacco reduction, said.

“We do know statistically having counseling, a peer support group and a plan in place along with access to nicotine replacement therapy makes people three to four times more successful in quitting,” Willoner said. “We know nicotine is strongly addictive and it can take up to 30 tries to be successful - it's that addictive. We do want to commend them for every attempt and every try is a step in the right direction.”

Getting into that mind set will help a person succeed, she added.

People should pay attention to their own triggers. When you have a coffee, do you want to smoke? When you have a drink when you're out, do you want to smoke? When you're around other smokers, do you want to smoke, too?

“Knowing those triggers in advance and making a plan is important,” Willoner said.

Having open dialogue with friends, family and coworkers can help keep a person on track.

And know your cues. If it's as simple as looking for a replacement hold a pen, eat a celery stick or carrot.

Willoner said people can start by going to their local pharmacy to access the free nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy provides the body with clean nicotine that fulfills cravings without exposure to hazardous chemicals found in commercial tobacco products.

There are a host of immediate and long-term health benefits to quitting, Willoner said.

Here's the list:

Within 20 minutes your heart rate and blood pressure drop.

Within 12 hours the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

Within two to 12 weeks, your circulation improves and your lung function increases.

Within one to nine months coughing and shortness of breath decrease.

Within one year your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker's.

Within five to 15 years your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker.

Within 10 years your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.

Within 15 years the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker's.

Visit quitnow.ca or google BC Smoking Cessation program for more information.