Quitting is worth it!
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for the sake of your health. Tobacco is the single greatest cause of disease and premature death in our country today. To quit smoking is to:
- Greatly lower your risk for lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke
- Lower your risk for many other illnesses and cancers
- Increase your energy and improve your circulation
- Breathe easier
- Protect those around you
Your family will be healthier if you quit.
Second-hand smoke is a known cause of lung and other cancers and it can lead to other health problems. Children exposed to second- hand smoke have more ear infections, colds, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis than those who are not exposed.
It's not just a matter of willpower.
Nicotine is a very addictive drug. Because smoking is an addiction, quitting is not easy for most smokers. But no one should have to quit without help and support. Today, help is just a phone call or an office visit away.
It's okay if you've tried and failed.
Most people make two or three tries or more before they are able to quit smoking for good. Think of your past attempts to quit as good practice for this time. You may not have had the information and support you needed in the past. This time can be different.
Resources to help you quit
- The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line is a FREE service to Wisconsin residents, providing confidential, one-on-one counseling and a free 2-week supply of medication. They can also refer you to other programs and services. Here are some helpful fact sheets from the Quit Line:
- Aurora Health Care offers Tobacco Cessation Classes at certain sites. In addition, here are links to Aurora's educational handouts on smoking cessation:
- The American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking Online program provides online counseling support.
- The University of Wisconsin's Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention offers fact sheets and other helpful resources, including Videos on How To Quit Tobacco
