American Lung Association Offers Tips to Make Quit-Smoking New Year's Resolutions Stick

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Quitting smoking is a common New Year's resolution for Americans each year—but it's easier said than done. Six out of 10 smokers require multiple quit attempts to stop smoking, but planning ahead can greatly improve a person's likelihood of quitting for good. The American Lung Association is highlighting proven tips and resources that have helped thousands of people pack in smoking permanently:

1. Seek support: You don't have to quit alone. Ask family, friends, and co-workers for their help and support. Having someone to take a walk with, or just listen, can give a needed boost.

• Find support online or in your community. Consider joining a stop-smoking program like Freedom From Smoking® Online (www.ffsonline.org) from the American Lung Association.
• Visit www.lung.org/stop-smoking or call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) for additional suggestions.

2. Take time to plan: Designate a day to quit on the calendar and stick to it. Avoid peak times of stress, such as the holidays, and gather in advance the tools and medications you will need.

3. Exercise daily: Exercise is proven to help smokers quit. Not only that, it will also combat weight gain and improve mood and energy levels. Walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting.

4. Prioritize nutrition and sleep: Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water, and be sure to get plenty of sleep.

5. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: They can discuss with you the various over-the-counter or prescription medications available to help you quit.

"The start of the New Year is a terrific time for smokers to implement their plan to quit," said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. "The benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle include improved overall health, economic benefits, and protecting loved ones from harmful secondhand smoke."

Helping Americans quit smoking remains a priority for the American Lung Association. Its Freedom From Smoking® group clinic program—which began in 1981 and includes a comprehensive variety of evidence-based cessation techniques—has helped hundreds of thousands of smokers quit. The American Lung Association more recently introduced Freedom From Smoking® Online, a highly successful, self-paced online adaptation of the group clinic that is available 24 hours a day.

"Quitting smoking is the single most important step smokers can take to improve their health—but they do not have to go through it alone," added Dr. Edelman. "Developing a support system and taking advantage of the American Lung Association's proven tools and resources greatly enhances their likelihood of quitting for good."

About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.  With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.Lung.org.

Note to Editors: Experts in quitting smoking are available for comment.

SOURCE American Lung Association