JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
May 31 could be just another day - or you could make it the day you choose to stand up and shout out against tobacco!
Make your voice heard by joining Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud and the World Health Organization for World No Tobacco Day, and take on the challenge to be tobacco-free for 24 hours. Make it happen!
Those 24 hours without tobacco could turn into 48 or 72 hours and even a tobacco-free life. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. By quitting tobacco, you can lengthen and improve your ability to live life out loud.
Deciding to try to quit tobacco is one the most difficult parts of becoming tobacco-free, but QTMEP resources are available at http://www.ucanquit2.org to help you in your battle against nicotine.
One of the most important factors in successfully quitting is having a strong support system. With QTMEP and World No Tobacco Day, you will not be alone in your fight May 31.
Here are a few tips that will help you break free from the grips of tobacco:
Spread the Stopping Support: Shout it out to the world! Tell your girlfriend, boyfriend, grandmother, dad or someone close to you that you are quitting. The more people you let know that your last day of being addicted to nicotine is May 31, the more people that will be rooting for you. Build a support system around yourself and trust them to be there when your cravings start to get the better of you. You can also log onto QTMEP's website anytime and chat with a trained tobacco cessation coach.
Create the Carrots: Even with support from loved ones, it's your decision to stop using tobacco. Make a list of all the positive things that will happen if you stop tobacco use and place it somewhere you will look at it regularly on May 31. Use QTMEP resources like the savings calculator to see how much money you could save, take a look at the chemicals you will no longer be ingesting. Think about how your fitness level will improve and how much better your breath, clothes and vehicle will smell.
Plan to Play: Be sure to make plans with friends on May 31 that include being outside and active. Play in a flag-football tournament or organize a game of kickball. Go to a cookout or a baseball game. The worst thing you can do is to be bored and only have your cravings to think about. Stay busy and have your gum, mints, toothpicks and water handy at all times.
Don't Get Discouraged: Quitting tobacco can be incredibly difficult! If you do smoke or dip on May 31, don't let that stop you from trying to quit again. Contact your POC at Naval Health Clinic Charleston at 794-6916 or at the Health and Wellness Center 963-4087 for information on counseling and medications, plus phone and online quit assistance.
Make May 31 more than just another day on your calendar. Spread the word on Facebook and put it on Twitter. Celebrate World No Tobacco Day and make May 31 the day you decide to become tobacco-free.
Courtesy of
http://www.ucanquit2.org/facts/wntd/default.aspx