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Living > Public Health, Safety

Quitting Smoking

The Driven to Quit Challenge is back for 2012

Quitting Smoking isn't Easy
Registration opens
January 3, 2012

Quitting smoking might seem like a lonely process, but you're not alone - more than 60% of Niagara residents who smoke want to quit. Congratulations on taking a step towards quitting smoking.

Everyone has different reasons for smoking and different reasons to quit - some people quit smoking because of the negative health effects, others quit because they don't want to smoke around their children, and some people quit because cigarettes are too expensive.

Whatever your reasons, in order to be successful in quitting, you need to first think about those reasons and decide for yourself that you are ready.

Benefits of Quitting

Quitting smoking isn't easy, but it's the best thing you can do for your health.

Benefits of quitting smoking start to happen almost right away - just 20 minutes after smoking your last cigarette, you body begins to heal itself.

How your Body Reacts after Smoking

  • After 20 minutes: your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal.
  • After 8 hours: you will have less carbon monoxide and more oxygen in your blood.
  • After 24 hours: your risk of having a heart attack decreases.
  • After 48 hours: your sense of smell and taste get better.
  • After 2 weeks: all the nicotine is gone from your body and it is easier to walk and exercise.
  • After 1 year: you cut your risk of having a heart attack in half.

Fighting the Temptation: Quit Smoking Tips

If you are tempted to smoke after you've quit, try these tips:

  • Drink plenty of water - it helps to flush the nicotine out of your system
  • Chew on toothpicks, sugarless gum and sugarless mints to keep your mouth busy
  • Brush your teeth - it is impossible to smoke while you're brushing
  • Distract yourself by doing things like reading, knitting, watching TV or gardening
  • Go for a walk or exercise
  • Call a friend to talk or call Smokers Helpline, Canadian Cancer Society at 1-877-513-5333
  • Remember why you quit in the first place and keep in mind your reasons for quitting

Cold Turkey vs. Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Medication

Using the Cold Turkey method is quitting smoking without any help. This method works for a few people, but most people need support and medications to quit smoking for good.

People who use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (the patch, the gum or the inhaler) and have a good support system are up to four times more likely to quit smoking successfully.

There are also two types of medications that may help you to quit smoking - Varenicline (ChampixTM) and Zyban. These medications require a prescription, so talk to your doctor for more information.

Youth Resources

The following websites have been created for youth and young adults.

Quit Kit

There are lots of resources available to help you to quit smoking. Call the Tobacco Hotline for a printed Quit Kit that includes more tips for quitting and self-help materials that can help you to become smoke-free.

Health Care Providers

Quitting is hard but you can help your patient make it happen - you can make a difference in your patients' health in under three minutes by using the 5A's - Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange. Find out more about how you can make it happen.

Contact Us

For information on quitting smoking, the law or second-hand smoke, contact Niagara Region's Tobacco Hotline by email or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7393 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7393

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