Make a plan to quit smoking

To the editor:

Can you believe that the new year is already here?

This is one of my favorite seasons because it is filled with opportunities to start new, productive habits and quit our previous, unproductive ones.

If you are a tobacco user, the best thing that you can do this year is create a plan to quit. Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death in Indiana and deciding to quit in 2020 will not only dramatically reduce your health risks, but it can also make your holiday meals taste better.

Now, some of you might be asking why quit plans are more beneficial and successful than quit attempts.

Here's why:

•Quit plans combine quit smoking strategies to keep you focused, confident, and motivated to quit.

•They help identify challenges you will face as you quit and ways to overcome them.

•They can improve your chances of quitting smoking for good.

Do you know what is even more exciting?

There's a trained quit-coach that you can call at 1-800-Quit-Now that can help you create your quit plan and provide you with several resources for free.

If you want to have a successful quit plan, be sure to follow the steps recommended by SmokeFree.gov:

•Pick a quit date and let loved ones know you are quitting.

•Remove reminders of the tobacco product and identify your reasons for quitting.

•Have places you can turn to for immediate help and set up rewards for Quit Milestones.

•Identify your triggers and develop coping strategies.

Help is available through the 1-800-Quit-Now or QuitNowIndiana.com, and it is completely free and confidential.

Take steps to solidify your decision to quit and to make 2020 your best year yet.

Sydney Haines

Tobacco prevention coordinator

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition