Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy, I’ve done it a thousand times”. Every year at about this time, people begin thinking about the New Year and the changes it will bring. Some people make resolutions to lose weight, get a better job, take that big vacation, or simply back away from the cookie jar! Millions of Americans – some of those in the City of Meriden - will also make the resolution to quit smoking.
Tobacco products continue to be responsible for an unacceptable level of death, illness and suffering throughout the world, and Connecticut is no exception. In fact, nearly 5,000 residents die every year from tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Although cigarette smoking continues to be the primary way that people consume tobacco, use of other tobacco products – cigars, snuff and chew - also puts the public's health at risk.
Smokers can and do quit every day and you can, too. Even if you've tried before, it's important to try again. Understanding the quitting process can make it easier. Remember, quitting now can significantly reduce your risk of smoking-related disease and death. It's never too late to try again.
The benefits of quitting start right away – within 20 minutes after stopping smoking, the heart rate returns back to normal. Twelve hours after quitting, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. Two weeks to 3 months later your coughing and shortness of breath decrease, and after 1 year your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s. Sounds like a good deal!
If you’re a pregnant smoker and quitting smoking, your baby will see results immediately. After just one day, your baby will get more oxygen - which means each day that you don’t smoke, you’re helping your baby grow. And if you stay quit, your baby will be at lower risk for chest colds, coughs, ear infections and asthma problems. You’ll also lower your baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and of becoming a smoker himself.
If you are ready to quit – or even just thinking about it – and want some help, the Meriden Health Department is offering residents free tobacco use cessation services. The certified smoking cessation counselor can meet with you one-on-one, or you can sign up for a “Tobacco Free Tuesday” meet-up group starting on January 17. The Department is also offering free nicotine replacement therapies – the patch, gum, or lozenge – and guidance on how to properly use these products to those who enroll. Pregnant women, new moms, and their family members are highly encouraged to enroll. Call (203) 630-4003 or email glaut@ci.meriden.ct.us for more information.
