Despite the country being in a state of recession, funding is still allocated both federally and locally for healthy lifestyle promotions. The largest amount of money goes to anti-smoking advertising and has for some time now. With tough economic times upon us, we’ve seen the amount of money given to anti-smoking campaigns dwindle but never go away entirely because, despite there being less money to spend on making people aware of the dangers of smoking, data has proven that this money is well spent.
It’s estimated that some 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are thrown on the ground or in bodies of water each year. For the record, there are 12 zeros in a trillion, that’s a whole lot of litter.
Apple-flavored tobacco will no longer be available in the Big Apple. A federal district court judge upheld a city ban that prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco products (except cigarettes), with the exception of menthol and mint-flavored products.
If you’re working to quit smoking, the holiday season can be especially stressful. So here are some tips to help you stay smokefree.
1. Take care of yourself. If you aren’t feeling 100%, going through the holidays and maintaining your smokefree status will seem impossible.
a. Take a vitamin
b. Drink plenty of water
c. Exercise. This doesn’t mean go buy a gym membership or start running everyday. Times are tough and time is sometimes harder to come by than cash. Get up and move around. Keep your blood pumping hard, anyway you can.
d. Get your ZZZs. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Dealing with relatives, shopping, cooking, and traveling can really drain your system, so make sure to recharge.
e. Take a breather. It can sound corny, but taking deep breaths through your nose and out your mouth for a few minutes will curb the cravings and calm you down during anxious periods.
2. Do something for yourself. It is the time for giving, but don’t give it all away, leave a little something for #1:
a. Get a massage
b. Entertain a hobby you’ve been putting off
c. Catch a yoga session at your local studio (Groupon & Living Social usually have great specials)
d. Grab your favorite holiday beverage and a good book
Don’t beat yourself up through this time. You’ve already took the hardest step, quitting. Maintaining smoking cessation is a process that takes time and patience. Despite the chaos in this gift giving season, remember that the best gift is what you’re giving yourself; a fresher, healthier, better smokefree you.
For more tips during the holiday season. Check out these helpful sites:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/holidaytriggers/tp/Smoking-Cessation-Holiday-Help.htm
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/holidaytriggers/a/firstholidays.htm
Today is the American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout.” Our recently smokefree President, has marked the occasion by making this video that not only shows support for the Great American Smokeout but has some honest, straight-forward facts about the risks of smoking.
Go here for more info.
