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Wellness

Smoking Cessation Program

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Quitting is Hard, But We Can Help

ChristianaCare tobacco treatment specialists provide one-on-one coaching sessions at no charge to Delaware residents who are ready to quit.

The program also offers vouchers to help you get nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, gum, and lozenges or prescription quit medications such as varenicline (also known as  Chantix™) and buproprion (also known as Zyban™).

You can triple your chances of quitting by working with a quit coach and using NRT or quit medications.

For additional information about this free program, please call 302-623-4661.

Help During and After Your Hospital Stay

Project Connect is a smoking cessation program that supports you while you are in Christiana Hospital and after you go home. A tobacco treatment specialist will visit you at the bedside to discuss your tobacco dependence, be sure you receive nicotine patches if desired, and connect you to free resources to stay quit once you are home from the hospital.

Since quitting at your own pace is one of the keys to successful long-term quitting, we provide continued support to connect you to free help to quit when you are ready.

For more information, please call 302-733-4722.

The idea of mindfulness is that life should be lived in the present moment. But how? Find out more here.

If you feel like you could benefit from meditation or mindfulness, or have been recommended to explore it by a medical professional, our experienced and friendly team is here to help you find inner peace.

Live Tobacco Free

Using tobacco greatly increases your risk for cancer, heart attacks, breathing problems and stroke. Even secondhand smoke can cause asthma and other breathing problems.

Quitting tobacco lowers your risk for heart and lung problems, cancer and other illnesses. You will have more energy too. Learn more about the effects of smoking and how to succeed in living tobacco free.

Cigarette being broken in half

Women who are pregnant are at greater risk for complications such as preterm labor, premature birth and lower birth weight babies. The dangers of smoking do not end at delivery. Secondhand and third hand smoke are particularly dangerous to your newborn’s health. Learn more about smoking and how to protect your baby’s health.

Quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and the health of those you love.

What Happens When You Quit?

  • Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop to a normal range
  • The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

 

  • The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
  • The oxygen level in your blood increases to normal.

  • Your risk of heart attack decreases.

  • Your sense of taste and smell come back.
  • Your nerve endings begin to regrow.

  •  You can breathe easier.

  • Nicotine is completely gone from your system.
  • Your circulation improves.
  • Your energy level increases.
  • Exercise becomes easier.
  • Your lung function increases up to 30 percent.
  • Coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease.

  • Your lungs regain their cleansing ability.
  • Your risk of stroke and lung disease decreases.

  • Your risk of lung cancer and other cancers drops greatly.

Ready to Quit

You have the best chance of quitting if you plan ahead. These strategies will help you stay motivated to overcome challenges on your path to living tobacco free. Follow these steps to make your own quit plan.

Whether you have smoked for 20 years or just a few, it is never too late to quit. Pick a date to quit and mark it down to remind yourself every day of the important first step you have taken to improve your health.

 

Remove all reminders (ashtrays, extra cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, matches, etc.,)  from your home, car and workplace. Knowing what objects or situations trigger you to use tobacco can help you avoid these while you are quitting and help you stay tobacco-free.

Look where and when you use tobacco and come up with alternatives. For example, if you use tobacco in the morning before work, try watching the morning news, reading the paper or doing a crossword puzzle. If you use “dip” or “chew” after a meal, try taking a walk or calling a friend instead.

Chances are you will experience withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks. These may include: craving for nicotine, difficulty concentrating, tingling in your arms or legs, hunger, coughing and upset stomach. Withdrawal symptoms will likely decrease over time. Talk with your medical provider about ways to curb the urge to use tobacco by using a nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, inhaler, lozenge, spray) and/or other medications.

Some people say that they use tobacco a lot when they are bored and have little to do. One of the best strategies to help you quit and stay tobacco-free is to increase your daily physical activity. You don’t have to become an athlete or join a gym. Activities such as walking, gardening or cleaning your house are all good options.  Exercise is also a great way to relax and stay in shape.

Many tobacco users make several attempts to quit before kicking the habit for good. A slip-up doesn’t mean you can’t quit.

Quitting can be difficult because tobacco contains nicotine, which stimulates the pleasure centers in your brain and becomes highly addictive. When you stop using nicotine, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms that make you want to start smoking or using tobacco again. After a slip-up, get back on track and don’t give up. Try to identify the trigger and plan a way to address it next time.

Making a healthy lifestyle change is cause for celebration. Reward yourself for meeting regular goals such as the first day, week and month that you have stayed tobacco-free. These can be small treats such as buying new clothes or going to a special dinner or sports event. Stay positive and keep focused on your life ahead.

Help is available. Tackling tobacco is a great challenge. But you don’t have to do it alone. Enlist the help of friends and family. Talk with your medical provider.

Quitting Tobacco Resources:

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