Smoking

Many Americans die each year from smoking.‚

•Smoking causes illnesses such as cancer, heart and lung disease, and stroke.

• When you quit, you lower your chances of getting sick from smoking.‚

• Quitting is hard.

• Most people try several times before they quit for good.

When you are getting ready to quit:

• Make a plan and set a quit date.

• Tell your doctor that you want to quit smoking and get medicine to help you quit.

• Tell your family, friends, and people you work with that you are going to quit.‚Ä¢Ask for their support.

When you quit:

• Get support and encouragement.‚Ä¢You may want to join a quit-smoking program.

• If you slip and smoke, do not give up.‚Ä¢Set a new date to get back on track.

• After you quit, do not smoke ‚Äì not even a puff.‚Ä¢Try to keep yourself away from all cigarettes.

Alcohol or Drug Abuse

Abusing alcohol or drugs can cause serious medical and personal problems.•Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to accidents, depression, and problems with family, friends, and work.

Do You Have a Drinking Problem?

Ask yourself the questions below.A “yes” answer to any of them may be a sign that you have a drinking problem. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are treatable with counseling, medicines, or both.Talk to your doctor or nurse.

• Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?

• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about drinking?

• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Drug use can cause heart and breathing problems.•Alcohol abuse can cause liver disease, heart problems, and several kinds of cancer.

Here are some suggestions about drugs and alcohol:

• Do not use illegal (street) drugs of any kind, ever.

• If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.‚Ä¢One drink is equal to a 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler: a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits, such as gin, whiskey, or rum.

• Do not drink alcohol before driving or operating heavy machinery.

If you need help with smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse, visit with your health care provider and look for support groups in your area.

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If you would like more information on “Getting Help for Smoking, Alcohol, or Drug Abuse” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus — University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus‚® information in next week’s paper.