The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Offers Quit Tips For The New Year

OKLAHOMA CITY – December 16, 2014 — What would it take for you to quit using tobacco this New Year? If you are ready to quit tobacco, free help is within your reach through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. Whether this is your first time to try quitting or you’ve tried before, the Helpline can connect you with a specially trained Quit Coach who can provide non-judgmental support and personalized quit plans based on your needs.

“Take the opportunity this New Year to upgrade your health and quit tobacco for good,” said Tracey Strader, executive director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). “The health benefits start almost immediately. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your body will already start repairing itself from the harmful effects of tobacco. You’ll soon have more energy, more lung capacity, a better sense of taste and more money in your pocket.”

If you’re ready to quit, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline encourages you to:

1. Set A Quit Date

Pick a date within the next thirty days to quit smoking.  Avoid setting a day too far in the future and choose a day where you know you will not be stressed or in a situation that typically triggers a craving.

2. Seek Support

Quitting is much easier when you have a support system in place. Lean on friends, family, Quit Coaches and your doctor to help you throughout your quitting journey.

3. Tobacco-Proof Your Life

Remove tobacco products from your home, car and place of work. Get rid of any tobacco paraphernalia including ashtrays and lighters, and avoid situations in which you would be around tobacco products.

4. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs)

NRTs are used to decrease withdrawal symptoms triggered when you quit smoking. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to eligible participants.

5. Practice Quitting With Mini-Quits

Mini-quits involve avoiding smoking a cigarette or dipping just one instance at a time. Plan your mini-quit by changing up your routine, especially avoiding the triggers that make you crave cigarettes the most. Try replacing bad habits with good habits, like going for a walk when you might normally have your morning cigarette.

To connect with professional Quit Coaches from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.OKhelpline.com.  Free patches, gum or lozenges are also available through the Helpline.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is primarily funded by TSET, in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Connect with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter.