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Senior Healthy Living Lifestyle - Quit Smoking

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.  More than 430,000 Americans die each year from smoking.  Smoking causes illnesses such as cancer, heart and lung disease, and stroke.

When you quit, you lower your changes of getting sick from smoking.  Quitting is hard.  most people try several times before they quit for good. 

When you are getting ready to quit:
Make a plan and set a quit date
Tell your healthcare provider that you want to quit smoking, and get medicine to help you quit.
Tell your family, friends and people you work with that you are going to quit.  Ask for their support.

When you quit:
Get support and encouragement.  You may want to join a quit-smoking program.

If  you slip and smoke, don't give up.  Set a new date to get back on track.

After you quit, don't smoke--not even a puff.  Try to keep yourself away from all cigarettes.

Following basic safety rules can prevent many serious injuries.  Here are two checklists to follow to help keep you and your family safe. 

To help protect yourself at home:

Use smoke detectors.  Remember to check the batteries every month.  Change the batteries every year.  You may want to use a reminder.  For example, change the batteries around your birthday or some holiday.

Lock up funds and ammunition, and store them separately.

 

Keep hallways and stairwells well lit.

Remove or repair things that someone could trip on, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and toys.

To help protect yourself away from home:

Wear seat belts.

Never drive after drinking alcohol.
 

Always wear a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

Be alert for hazards in your workplace.  Follow workplace safety rules.

Article to be used only as an informational resource.  This site does not dispense medical advice of any kind.  Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician.