Make a Specific Plan to Quit Smoking

If you smoke, one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular health is to quit smoking. But any former smoker can tell you, quitting a tobacco habit is not easy. Planning ahead can go a long way toward a lasting commitment to smoking cessation.

Having a plan to quit is a good first step, says Deb Murray, a respiratory therapist at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. "Choose a quit date, and start feeling good about your decision even before you quit," she says.

Before your quit date, research the options available to you. Know what resources are at hand, including nicotine replacement therapies, prescription drugs and counseling. The more support you have, including encouragement from family and friends, the more successful you will be.

As the holidays approach, be prepared. Holidays can be a stressful time, and stress can trigger a person to smoke. "Know who is going to the holiday parties you are going to," Deb says. "If there are smokers going to the party, know what you're going to do to prevent having cigarette with them. It helps to not associate with people who smoke."

Celebrate your successes during your journey to a smoke-free lifestyle. "Reward yourself at every milestone, whether it's one day, one week or one month," Deb says.

The Avera Heart Hospital offers a smoking-cessation program called Quit for Good. The program offers six one-on-one counseling sessions that offer support and education to participants. For a phone consultation to see if the program is right for you, call Deb Murray at (605) 977-7000 or click here to learn more.

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