Smoking Risks and Recoveries

• Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemicals. Many are poison. More than 40 of them cause cancer.
• Your chances of getting lung cancer are 10 times greater than a nonsmoker.
• You are twice as likely to have a heart attack as a nonsmoker.
• Cigarette smoking is strongly linked with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have low birth weight babies or stillborn babies.
• Cigarette smoke is harmful to all who inhale it, including nonsmokers.
• Your children are twice as likely to be smokers when they grow up.

1. Pick a day to stop smoking
2. Print out and fill in the "Stop Smoking Contract"
3. Have a family member or friend sign the contract.
4. Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays to home and at work. You will not need them again.
5. Be prepared to feel the urge to smoke. The urge will pass whether or not you smoke. Use the FOUR D's to fight the urge:
6. Keep "mouth toys" handy: lifesavers, gum, straws, and carrot sticks can help.
7. If you've had trouble stopping before, ask your doctor about nicotine chewing gum.
8. Tell your family and friends you've stopped smoking.
9. Put "NO SMOKING" signs in your car, work area, and house.
10. Give yourself a treat for stopping. Go to a movie, go out to dinner, or buy yourself a gift.