Honoring the Gift of Heart Health for American Indians

Section Seven - Enjoy Living Smoke Free. Take the Path to Heart Healthy Living.

Enjoy Living Smoke Free. Take the Path to Heart Healthy Living.
Mary Will Show You How She Quit Smoking and Made Her Home Smoke Free
Follow Mary's Example To Quit Smoking for Good
Mary Resists the Urge To Smoke
Mary's Family Is Living Smoke Free
My Plan To Quit Smoking
My Heart Health Card

Follow Mary's Example To Quit Smoking for Good

Mary: "I chose my grandson's birthday as my quit date. I got help from my family and friends. The doctor and a health educator also helped me. When I quit, they congratulated me on my hard work and success. I wanted to set a good example for my family to follow."

1. Get ready.

• Pick a day to quit smoking.
• Write down the reasons you want to quit smoking. Put the list where you will see it every day.
• Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays. Don't buy any more cigarettes.
• Tell your family, friends, and coworkers the day you will quit smoking.
• Make a list of the people who will support you.

2. Make a plan to stay off cigarettes.

• Don't go to places that make you want to smoke.
• At parties, try not to be around people who smoke.
• When someone offers you a cigarette, say, "No, thank you. I don't smoke." You will soon see yourself as a nonsmoker.

3. Ask for help.

• Buy nicotine gum or skin patches, or ask your doctor for a prescription for medicine that will help you stay off cigarettes.
• Find a local program to help you quit smoking.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIH Publication No. 08-6340
June 2008