Making New Year's resolution to quit smoking a reality

Each year on January 1st, Americans make goals for the New Year, ranging from getting in shape and spending more time with their families to decreasing debt. This year, make a resolution that will not only improve your health, but also save you money— quit smoking. According to the Surgeon General's most recent tobacco-related report, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death worldwide.

The health benefits of quitting smoking are immediate. Within 2 minutes, blood pressure and heart rate return to normal, within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves, and within 1 year, heart attack risk is halved. "Quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his or her life," said Donna Shelley, MD, MPH, associate professor and co-director of the Section on Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use at the NYU School of Medicine.

Planning ahead can help make your resolution to quit smoking a reality. To make your quit attempt a success, follow these five steps:

1.Talk to your doctor about quitting. Doctors can provide you with the necessary counseling and help you choose the best Nicotine Replacement Therapy for you. If you talk to your doctor and use medications, you double your chances of quitting.

2.Create a quit plan. Set a quit date and let loved ones know so that they can support your efforts.

3.Make your home smoke-free. Eliminate tobacco products and encourage any other smokers at home to quit with you.

4.Identify triggers (eg: stress, alcohol, etc.), and find healthy alternatives to smoking.

5.Take advantage of the free resources available in New York State, including the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or www.nysmokefree.com. The NY State Smokers' Quitline offers free telephone counseling and provides those who qualify with 2-weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. The more help and support you have, the better your chances of quitting for good.