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It's not easy, but every attempt brings you closer to success
The Volusia County
Health Department Tobacco Prevention Program holds classes throughout the county
at various locations. These classes are open to anyone interested in becoming
tobacco free. This is a six-week series of classes that meet once a week for an
hour.
A Program
that will help you find the tools that you need to become and stay tobacco
free.
Designed to help tobacco users deal with triggers weight control, withdrawal
symptoms, daily stress, and setback prevention. Quitting is one of the best
things that you can do for your personal health and the health of those around
you.
For more information contact:
Luz Melendez, Health Educator
(386) 274-0593
Volusia County Health Department
Tobacco Prevention Program
1845 Holsonback Drive, Bin 113
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
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Free Ongoing Cessation Classes:
Provided by Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center
- New Smyrna Beach Visitor Center
- Daytona State College
- Edgewater Public Library
Contact Liz Bell at (386) 689-9117
or e-mail smokefreeme@yahoo.com
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Good Reasons for Quitting
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do:
- You will live longer and live better.
- Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer.
- If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
- The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier.
- You will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
Five Keys for Quitting
Studies have shown that these five steps will help you quit and quit for good. You have the best chances of quitting if you use them together:
- Get Ready - Set a quit date.
- Get Support - Talk to family, friends, and your health care provider. Get individual, group, or
telephone counseling. The Florida Quit-For-Life Line (1-877-822-6669) is only a toll-free phone call away! Or you can call VCHD Tobacco Prevention about programs in your area.
- Learn New Skills and Behaviors – Change your routine. Go for a walk. Drink lots of water.
Plan something enjoyable to do everyday.
- Get Medication and Use It Correctly - Medications can help you stop smoking and
lessen the urge to smoke. Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the
information on the package. Everyone who is trying to quit may benefit from using a medication.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than
10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health
care provider before taking medications.
- Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations - Most relapses occur
within the first 3 months after quitting. Don't be discouraged if you start smoking again.
Remember, most people try several times before they finally quit.
Here are some difficult situations to watch for:
- Alcohol - Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking lowers your chances of success.
- Other smokers. Being around smoking can make you want to smoke.
- Weight gain. Many smokers will gain weight when they quit, usually less than 10 pounds.
Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Don't let weight gain distract you from your main goal—quitting smoking.
Some quit-smoking medications may help delay weight gain.
- Bad mood or depression. There are a lot of ways to improve your mood other than smoking.
If you are having problems with any of these situations, talk to your doctor or other health care provider.
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