Did you know…?

The top 10 most common New Year’s Eve resolutions are (according to Google):

1. Exercise more

2. Lose weight

3. Get organized

4. Learn a new skill or hobby

5. Live life to the fullest

6. Save more money/spend less money

7. Quit smoking

8. Spend more time with family and friends

9. Travel more

10. Read more

While each of these resolutions are important to living a fuller and happier life, number 7, to quit smoking, may be the most life transforming. We all know cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease, but did you know smoking increases your risk for Alzheimer’s, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and blindness (Macular Degeneration)? This CDC Fact Sheet describes some of the dangers of continuing smoking.

Why not celebrate this New Year by quitting smoking, you can start by:

1. Listing your reasons “why” you want to quit —

2. Identifying what the triggers are causing you to smoke — and how to avoid them!

3. Letting your loved ones know you are quitting — they are your support system!

4. Picking your “stop day” as New Years’ Eve would allow you to ring in the New Year smoke-free!

Here are some resources to help you quit smoking : 1-800-QUIT-NOW QuitGuide

Smokefree.gov or www.lung.org/stop-smoking Operation: Flame Out

Nikki Reed – Infection Control and Employee Wellness, RN

Forks Community Hospital

Disclaimer: This column is not intended as a diagnosis or recommended treatment of a specific condition. Answers are not a replacement for an individual medical evaluation. Individual health concerns should be evaluated by a licensed clinician.