London Drugs

Focus On Health

I Resolve to Control My Weight

Planning Your Pregnancy

Caring For Your Skin in Winter

I Resolve To Stop Smoking

The Norwalk Virus

Stop Snoring Now

Preventing Heart Disease

Juvenile Diabetes

Winter Injuries

Keeping Your Resolutions

Calcium

Focus on Pharmacy

Fall 2002

I Resolve To Stop Smoking

Every year, the average Canadian makes one or two New Year’s resolutions. The most popular resolutions are stopping smoking and losing weight. Unfortunately, by the end of January, many resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. While we can’t promise that you will keep your personal resolutions, our pharmacists are always here to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

"I want to stop smoking." How many times have you said this to yourself? While most people who smoke wish they didn’t, they won’t make a serious commitment to stop, in case they fail. It’s a “Catch-22” situation but one that can be overcome if you have the right support and techniques at hand.

Plan to Have a Plan
Having a well thought-out plan of action is vital to any successful attempt to stop smoking. You may think you have a plan, but it doesn’t become a solid means of reference and help to you until you have carefully thought it out and committed it to paper. Failing to plan is the single most common reason for failing in your quest to stop smoking.

Why It Is Difficult to Quit
Understanding why it is so difficult to quit smoking will help you successfully manage nicotine cravings.

Nicotine, one of more than 4,000 chemicals found in the smoke of cigarettes, cigars and pipes, is highly addictive. When you inhale, nicotine is absorbed through the mucosal lining of the nose and mouth, and through the lungs. Once in the bloodstream, nicotine finds its way to your brain, normally taking only seven to ten seconds to do so. The brain responds to this influx of nicotine by increasing the output of dopamine - a chemical that induces relaxation and a sense of well being.

Most smokers find quitting difficult because they quickly become addicted to the nicotine and its pleasurable effects.

We're Here to Help
Your London Drugs pharmacist is familiar with the difficulties you may meet when trying to stop smoking. He or she can assist you in identifying your weak moments and help you find ways around them. Having people support your efforts to stop smoking is critical to your success. Your pharmacist will always be available for follow-up and to help you achieve your very important goal. You can set up a personal appointment with a pharmacist by phoning your local London Drugs, or dropping by the pharmacy.

Tips to Help You Succeed
Here are some tips to help you remain on track:

Commit to a quit date, such as your anniversary or child’s birthday. Make sure that the date is significant to you in some way.
Stock up on gum, mints, or hard candy that will help you replace cigarettes.
Learn to recognize your triggers. For example, if you enjoy smoking when drinking an alcoholic beverage, ask for a small bowl of peanuts and nibble on these instead.
Remove all smoking paraphernalia from your home, including lighters, matches and ashtrays.
If the urge to smoke is overwhelming, remember to tell yourself you are just delaying your smoke. Often, a ten minute delay will kill the urge, provided you find something else to occupy your time.
Memorize the following list of positive changes that will take place within your body once you have quit:
- You will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia.
- The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier.
- Your skin will look younger, longer.
- If you are pregnant, you will increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
- You will have more money to spend on things you want.

Keeping Your Resolutions