Smoking cessation
Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer and can lead to host of other health problems. Learn how we can help you quit smoking today.
Smoking cessation help in Salt Lake City, Utah
The smoking cessation experts at St. Mark’s Hospital have helped people all across the Greater Salt Lake City area quit smoking, and we can help you learn how to quit smoking, too.
The decision to quit smoking is the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life. We invite you to join other smokers in the pledge to quit smoking during the American Cancer Society’s annual "Great American Smokeout," which takes place the third Thursday in November each year.
Risks associated with smoking
Smoking is bad for your health because it increases your chances for stroke, heart disease, emphysema and cancers, including:
- Esophageal
- Bladder
- Kidney
- Pancreatic
- Ovarian
- Cervical
- Lung
- Oral
- Nasal and paranasal
- Throat
- Colorectal
- Stomach
If you’ve already been diagnosed with cancer, smoking increases your risk of reoccurrence.
How to quit smoking
- Set a quit date and stick with it.
- Take up a new hobby to distract you from your cravings. Perhaps you do a crossword puzzle, go for a walk with a friend or take a fitness class. An activity to participate in will keep your mind off cravings.
- Choose a healthy snack that can replace the habit of bringing a cigarette to your mouth. Small vegetables, such as carrot sticks, make a great substitute.
- You don't have to quit smoking alone. Seek support to gain access to the many support options available.
- Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) may relieve your nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an anti-depressant or Varenicline (brand name Chantix®).
Benefits of smoking cessation
You begin to improve your health within minutes of having your last cigarette, and your health benefits increase the longer you remain smoke-free.
According to the American Cancer Society, you'll experience these benefits when you quit smoking:
- In 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- In 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
- In two weeks to three months, your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
- In one to nine months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease, and the cilia start to regain normal function in the lung.
- In one year, your risk of coronary heart disease drops by half.
Resources to quit smoking in Salt Lake City, Utah
In-person groups:
- Nicotine Anonymous has programs and classes that may be held near you.
Phone support:
- Connect with Utah’s quit smoking help line by calling 1 (800) Quit-Now.
- The National Cancer Institute also offers a quit smoking help line: 1-877-44U-QUIT. Their programs include individual counseling, referrals and even recorded messages.
Text messaging support:
- Visit Smokefree.gov if you’re interested in HealthyYouTXT programs that send you encouraging texts with advice to help you quit smoking for good. Read FAQ’s about this text program.
Mobile apps:
- National Cancer Institute’s QuitPal is a free app that provides users with proven quitting strategies and tools to help you give up smoking.
- Smokefree.gov also has a QuickStart app that helps you prepare to quit smoking.
Online support:
- LiveHelp has smoking cessation counselors available for online instant messaging Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.
- There are free services for Utah residents through Utah Quit Net.
- Get a free quit smoking plan in place to re-learn life without cigarettes with BecomeAnEx.