SAN DIEGO, Nov. 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. To help Americans quit, the American Cancer Society (ACS) organizes the Great American Smokeout every year in November. According to the ACS, more Americans try to quit smoking on this day than on any other day.
Here's how quitting even for one day helps your body:
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your blood pressure drops to a level close to that before the last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet normalizes.
- Eight hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
- 24 hours after quitting: Your chance of a heart attack decreases.
To keep seeing benefits, commit to quit long term. Healthyroads, Inc. recommends these tips to help you stop smoking:
1. Set a quit date. A deadline will make quitting more real and help you focus. Why not choose Nov. 21 and join thousands of others in quitting?
2. Develop a plan. Write down the situations that trigger your urge to smoke. Avoid those triggers or plan alternatives to smoking.
3. Use a nicotine replacement aid. Nicotine replacement aids, such as patches or gum, may help curb withdrawal symptoms.
4. Get support. Check on whether your employer's wellness program offers free health coaching. A health coach can provide ongoing support and tips as you embark on your smoking cessation efforts.
5. Reward yourself. Quitting is one of the most significant health choices a smoker can make, so celebrate yourself for taking this huge step.
Plan now to participate in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 21. If you quit for even one day, you may decide to kick the habit for good. For more motivation to quit, visit Healthyroads' Pinterest board.
About Healthyroads, Inc.
Healthyroads, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), offers a range of population health solutions, including: the award-winning Healthyroads® telephone-based lifestyle and health coaching programs, member engagement promotions, program management, health risk assessments, biometric screenings, claims analytics, incentive programs, worksite wellness programs and/or an integrated online wellness portal, Healthyroads.com. For information, visit ASHCompanies.com or call 800-848-3555. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Healthyroads, YouTube at www.youtube.com/healthyroads, Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/healthyroads, Twitter at @Healthyroads and Instagram at @Healthyroads.
About American Specialty Health
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is one of the nation's premier independent, privately-owned health services organizations, providing specialty health care networks and programs, fitness and exercise programs, and population health solutions for health plans, insurance carriers and employer groups. Operating from offices in San Diego, Calif., Southlake (Dallas), Texas, Carmel (Indianapolis), Ind. and Columbia, S.C., ASH has more than 1,100 employees and administers services for more than 34 million members nationwide. Products offered through ASH and its subsidiaries include Silver&Fit®, FitnessCoachTM, Active&Fit®, ExerciseRewardsTM and others. For information, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800-848-3555. Follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter at @ASHCompanies.