Kick the Habit with Vitality! www.discovery.co.za
There are numerous strategies to encourage smokers to kick the habit. These methods are quite effective and ex-smokers will immediately experience health benefits, in Discovery Vitality's opinion.
Everybody knows that smoking is bad for the health, but do smokers actually realize the extent of damage that is caused by tobacco products?
"Doctors should use every opportunity to encourage smokers to quit. Smoking is the agent most responsible for avoidable illness and death. Tobacco products kill about four million people worldwide every year, according to 1999 statistics from the World Health Organisation. In South Africa, the figure is estimated to be in the region of 25 000 smoking-related deaths per year," according to Dr Lori Manson, part of the Discovery Vitality team.
Here are some Common myths about smoking, and quitting it.
If you cannot quit the first time that you attempt it, you will never succeed in quitting: FALSE. Given the nature of this particular addiction, it usually takes people two or three attempts before they manage to quit for good.
Quitting is expensive: FALSE. Consider this, a pack of 20 cigarettes costs from around R11 to around R40 and this cost is incurred almost every day depending on how serious the habit. A programme that could help one quit smoking could only save money.
Smoking is just a bad habit: FALSE. In fact, smoking is a very serious addiction which could be compared to being addicted to serious drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
Quitting is just a matter of willpower: (Usually) FALSE: Quitting smoking usually proves to be extraordinarily difficult to do, given that it is an addiction. There are many treatments available to help the addicted achieve a life that is smoke-free.
"Discovery Vitality has collaborated with Smokenders to encourage members to quit smoking. Discovery members receive a considerable discount on the cost of the course and also obtain 5000 Vitality points on completion of the course and completing a non-smoker declaration." Lori Manson continued.
"It is critical that we all work towards lowering the smoking rate for the sake of our collective health. We also need to focus on preventing our children from starting to smoke. According to statistics coming out of the USA, more than 6,4 million children living there today will die prematurely because of the decision to smoke cigarettes now. Figures for the South African population are not readily available, but cigarette smoking is a leading cause of death and disease," says Manson.
Discovery Vitality's pointers to help those looking to quit smoking:
Drink plenty of liquids, in particular one should drink water and steer clear of coffee, fizzy drinks or alcohol because these products can lead to an increased urge to smoke.
Stay well away from sugars, fatty and oily foods. Rather opt for foods low in calories like carrots and other vegetables, also ensure that you do not skip meals
Exercise with regularity and moderate yourself according to your capabilities, its not so important that you push your limits, but rather that you make a change in your habits, and this provides a healthy alternative to smoking.
Get some more sleep in. It will make you feel a lot better and more energetic.
Breathe deeply, make a point of doing so.
Distract yourself by getting busy with whatever might catch your fancy.
Make a change in your habits. Try take a different route to work, also get up from the table immediately after eating to avoid the temptation of the post-meal cigarette.
Practice activities to reduce your stress levels. Such as reading a book, exercising or taking a bath.
"Quitting smoking provides immediate health benefits," says Manson.
For more information, contact Discovery Vitality on (011) 529 2888
