Honor Earth Day by Kicking the Habit!

Earth Day is in a few days, and if you’re wondering how to acknowledge the day, and you’re a smoker, how about saying sayonara to cigarettes? What better way to clear Earth’s air, make yourself healthier, and give those around you a chance to breathe easier?

If you think smoking is only a major health risk for pack-a-day puffers, think again. Research shows that smoking even as few as one to four cigarettes a day can have serious health consequences. Here’s how you can kick the nasty habit:

1.   Ask for help. If quitting has been a losing battle for you so far, ask your doctor for advice. Look into all the aids to help you quit—from prescription medications and nicotine gum to group therapy. Your doctor can help find the right method for you.

2.   Chew some gum. When you feel like smoking, start chewing gum. Just make sure the gum is flavored with real peppermint, because peppermint has been known to lessen the desire for nicotine.

3.   Suck a lime. Besides curbing your desire for tobacco, limes will replace some of the vitamins, phosphates, and calcium that smoking may have drained from your system.

4.   Sip herbal tea. Choose tea containing catnip, chamomile, hops, lobelia, or valerian. Each of these herbs is known to lessen the urge for nicotine and help you relax.

5.   “B” good to yourself. If you’ve been smoking, you’ve probably run your stores of B vitamins into the ground. Make sure a good multivitamin containing B complex is on your grocery list if not already on your shelf. B vitamins are essential for cell formation and heart health, and can offer protection against the DNA damage that can lead to cancers.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your road to a smoke-free life. Your health—and those who share your air—will appreciate it!