(Reference: Time Essentials: 5 Things to Know It’s Never too Late to Quit by Martin Downs)
Former surgeon general, Dr. Richard H. Carmona advises smokers to “stop now. It will improve the quality and quantity of your life, no question.” He urges smokers to consider these 5 points about quitting: 1. It’s never too late, 2. Few people kick cigarettes on the first try, 3. Get help, 4. Cutting down doesn’t cut it, 5. America’s smoking days are over
1. It’s never too late
No matter your age or how long you have smoked, you will reap the benefits of quitting immediately. When you quit, your body immediately begins to recover from the exposure to chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
2. Few people kick cigarettes on the first try
You may experience several relapses your first year of attempting to quit (The cited NY Times article says that as many as four relapses are common the first year). This often discourages people into thinking that they will never be able to quit. Quitting techniques are personal; while some methods may work for others, they may not necessarily be the best for you. If you find yourself relapsing, try pursuing a different quitting technique. Have you tried participating in a research study?
3. Get help
There are many smoking cessation aides and support groups available. Please contact us at 646-962-2672 to hear about how eligible participants can receive free smoking cessation medication and counseling by participating in our research study.
4. Cutting down doesn’t cut it
Cutting down on the amount you smoke per day can be a way to prepare yourself for quitting, but only if you intend on quitting completely. Smoking fewer cigarettes is still considered smoking and is not safe for your body. In the long run, cutting back is not sustainable because the nicotine addiction has not been broken. Smokers who do not conquer their addiction completely are more likely to revert back to smoking as much as, or even more than, they did before.
5. America’s smoking days are over
It is becoming more difficult socially and financially to remain a smoker in the United States. Smoking bans have been implemented in major US cities making it harder for smokers to smoke when they go out. Additionally, it costs anywhere from $10-$11 for one pack of cigarettes in NYC (at a half-pack per day, that adds up to approximately $2000/year!)
Please remember that it is never too late to quit smoking. To hear more about how we can help you quit, by participating in our research study, please call us at 646-962-2672.
Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College 