Several life-threatening diseases can be the result of a smoking addiction. This is why the habit is being kicked by more and more people. Unfortunately, many adults still smoke and in doing so, put their health and welfare at risk. Is your retirement age loved one a smoker? Would you like to help them quit? Would you like to quit smoking as well? We are going to offer some tips here as to how to go about doing just that.
The Dangers of Smoking
Compared to people who don’t smoke, an individual with a smoking addiction has a three-time higher mortality rate. Directly related to smoking are the following conditions:
- Vascular disease
- Cancers of varying types
- Respiratory disease
Approximately 480,000 people a year die from smoking’s side effects. So what can you do if you want to quit or want to help a loved one quit?
Take It One Day at a Time
The endeavor to quit smoking will not happen overnight. It takes time. The best way to complete a journey such as this is to simply take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Make it through one day with no cigarette. Then go for two days. Before you know, it will be a week, a month, and eventually, you’ll be celebrating your first year smoke-free.
Distract Yourself with Hobbies
A little distraction can go a long way toward kicking the habit of smoking. Resume an old pastime or start a new hobby to provide such a distraction. Take your pet for a walk, ask a friend over to do some scrapbooking, learn to knit or sew, or go fishing with your grandchild. The list is only as limited as your imagination. The point is to stay busy.
Get Support from Those Around You
It is important for someone trying to quit smoking to have a support team. This can consist of friends and family. Additionally, children and/or grandchildren reminding a smoker how much they love them and want them to be around for a long time can encourage that person to give up an unhealthy habit like smoking.
Always Have a Healthy Snack on Hand
The urge to pick up a cigarette may be deterred by having healthy snacks on hand (almonds, sugarless hard candy, sugarless gum, etc.). In their purse or their pocket, smokers who want to quit may consider always having a snack ready. Some people swear by celery sticks and/or carrot sticks. It gives them something to do with their hands, too.
Identify Triggers
Some people’s craving for a cigarette can be triggered by being around alcohol, certain family members and/or friends, etc. Additionally, people may want to smoke when they are in certain places. The sooner a smoker figures out what people, events, places, etc., trigger their desire to smoke, a plan can be devised as to what to do when in those situations.
Trust Rittenhouse Village At Northside To Care for Your Loved One
Trust in the caring professional team at Rittenhouse Village At Northside to provide the healthiest environment for your loved one. We are a premier senior living community that offers respite care, SHINE Memory Care, and senior assisted living. With the abundant amenities offered, living in our community is more like living in a resort.
If you’d like more information about our incredible community, schedule a tour to see in person what we have to offer.
