It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other health conditions. In fact, for every one person who dies from smoking, there are 30 people who are living with a disease that’s been caused by smoking.
For all of these reasons, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Maybe you’ve been putting off doing so for whatever reason. If so, there’s not going to be a better opportunity to finally call it quits than World No Tobacco Day, which is on May 31st this year. Below, you’ll find a few tips you can use to make the process of quitting smoking easier.
First, and most importantly, you need to figure out what’s driving you to quit smoking. This will be what gets you through the toughest parts of your withdrawals. Whether you want to start feeling better, lower your risk of developing a serious disease, or make sure that you’re still here to watch your grandkids grow up, everyone has a reason. Finding yours is the first step to success.
While some people have success with quitting smoking cold turkey, it certainly isn’t the recommended strategy. You’re much more likely to have lasting success if you create a gameplan before you quit. This should involve going to see a doctor you know. They can make personalized recommendations that can help you manage your cravings.
Nicotine is the substance that makes cigarettes so addicting. Regular Nicotine consumption changes the way that your brain chemistry works. If you use Nicotine gum or a patch while quitting smoking, your chances of quitting for good go way up. Consider which Nicotine replacement therapy would be right for you and make sure that you’re ready to start it before you quit.
Quitting smoking is tough. There’s no way around that. That’s why it’s so important that you’re able to lean on your loved ones — especially during the early stages of this process. They can be your source of motivation, encourage you when you’re having a hard time, and help you stick with your plan to quit permanently.
Studies have confirmed that people who drink have a harder time sticking with their plan to quit smoking. If you’re a drinker, consider laying off during at least the early parts of your quitting process. You should also work to avoid any other triggers that you can identify. Doing so will give you the best chance possible of sticking with your goal to quit smoking.
Working with a doctor is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances of long-term success with quitting smoking. If you’d like to do that, you may not have to pay for the sessions yourself. Your Medicare coverage may cover the costs for you.
For example, Medicare Part B covers up to 8 face-to-face counseling sessions with a doctor during a 12-month period. This could be just what you need to finally quit smoking on World No Tobacco Day.
If you’re unsure about the options available under your Medicare coverage, consider contacting a partnered licensed agent with Time for 65. They’re Medicare experts who can tell you more about your coverage and the various options that are available to you.
You can get in touch with an agent today by filling out this form or giving us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.
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