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Whoopi is kicking butts -- you can too
Posted on Nov 1st 2007 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson"I want to be done by December 15," Whoopi told her audience. A wise plan, considering smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, is linked to 10 different cancers, and accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet one in four Americans still light up.
Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. And it is far more dangerous for women than men. Now wrap your head around this fact: The nicotine found in cigarettes is as addictive as heroin. If that's not reason enough to stop smoking, I don't know what is.
So are you ready to tackle your own smoking habit before it tackles you? If so, think about these tips and tricks offered by The View's special guest, Dr. Steven Lamm, medical editor for Best Life magazine.
First, set a quit date, says Dr. Lamm. Then tell everyone you know about your plan to stop smoking. The people in your life will hold you accountable. Next: choose a quit method. There's cold turkey -- although only five percent of people succeed this way -- and laser therapy, and hypnosis, and accupunture. But none of these avenues have very much science behind them. Dr. Lamm recommends a pharmacological approach, like the patch, gum, lozenges, and inhaler sprays. Each of these, which can be used in combination, contains traces of nicotine and works to wean individuals off their addictions.
There's also Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant that works well by calming and relaxing the body. This medication, given in 150 mg dosages, must be started five to six days prior to the quit date. Good news: weight gain, typical with some anti-depressants, is not a significant side effect.
Chantix is another option. It's a prescription medication that blocks nicotine receptors. It takes time to work, though, and tends to be expensive. It's also fairly new on the market which worries Whoopi. She thinks it needs more research.
There are also healthy lifestyle changes smokers can take in their quest to become non-smokers. These won't stop you from smoking but they'll contribute to your overall health. A nutritious diet, exercise, and a daily dose of vitamin C -- these levels drop when you smoke -- are all great methods for getting back on track. Try to solicit support from friends, family, and your doctor too.
Don't be discouraged if your efforts don't deliver right off the bat. Some people try five or six times before they quit for good. But it's worth the effort, even if it is hard.
