Make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking
By KIM KERCHEVAL
Guest Columnist
If your New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking, I want to let you know that you can do it. I did it and I was a smoker for 17 years. I was an athlete who smoked. I was a coach who smoked. I was a youth group leader who smoked.
I told myself when I couldn’t afford it anymore, I would quit. When I saw my credit card bill at more than $1,000 that were cigarette purchases only, I was like, “That is crazy. It’s time to quit.”
Please know that you can set a quit date and break free from cigarettes. If I quit, you can too! In fact, there are more former smokers in the U.S. – about 50 million – than current smokers. Make this your year to be smoke free. YOU CAN DO IT.
Quitting can prove challenging, and many people make multiple attempts. It’s okay if you fail! Nicotine is extremely addictive, so please don’t give up! To help you live a healthier smoke-free life, here are three of many steps you can take.
- Develop a quit plan. Pick a date and tell your friends and family. Everyday that I did not smoke, I sent a text to my friends and family.
- List your reasons for quitting, i.e., money, health, control.
- There are free resources that can help you quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for FREE help quitting, including cessation aids like Chantix, the patch and gum. A quit coach will help you decide what medication is right for you and the Indiana Quitline is offering free weeks of combination nicotine replacement therapy, while supplies last.
Quitting has immediate and long-term health benefits at any age, so talk to your provider or local pharmacist about quitting. They are happy to help you quit.
Please take the leap if you’re ready to stop smoking. I promise you it will be the best decision you ever make.
Kim Kercheval is the owner of Jan’s Village Pizza. She is proud to serve and support the Westfield and Sheridan Communities. The Westfield location is at 108 S. Union St., and the Sheridan location is at 200 S. Main St.
Kim says she would love to support you in your quit attempt. Stop by either location for a “TURTLED” token. TURTLED: Tobacco Unravels Recklessly The Life Everyone Deserves. Quitting is not easy, but slow and steady and you can become tobacco-free.