Tobacco use is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is committed to reducing its prevalence. To that end, they have developed a number of strategies to help people resist the urge to smoke or use tobacco when they have a craving. Here are 10 ways to help you quit.
1.Reach out for support
. Contact a family member, friend, or member of a support group to help you in your effort to resist the urge to smoke.Talk on the phone, go for a walk, share a few laughs, or get together to talk and support each other. The toll-free smoking cessation line (800-QUIT-NOW) (800-784-866) provides support and advice.
2.Educate yourself
. Learn about the epidemic of tobacco use among young people aged 12 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25, including the epidemiology, causes and health effects of this tobacco use and proven interventions to prevent it.3.Participate in continuing medical education
. The AAFP encourages family doctors to participate in continuing medical education (CME) activities and programs related to the prevention and cessation of tobacco use, and strongly encourages organizations involved in the creation of the CME to integrate the detection, prevention, and treatment of tobacco and nicotine use into their curricula.4.Support legislation
.The AAFP supports legislation that prohibits the sale of tobacco products on the Internet and in vending machines and prohibits the promotional distribution of free tobacco products.
5.Develop health education programs
. The AAFP encourages the development of health education programs and other tobacco control programs funded by taxes collected on tobacco products.6.Utilize retailer licensing programs
. The AAFP supports tobacco retailer licensing programs and zoning requirements to reduce the density, type, and location of tobacco retailers.7.Increase taxes on tobacco products
. Taxes are a particularly powerful strategy for reducing global demand for tobacco.8.Take an online course
.The Chan School of Public Health offers Global Tobacco Control, an online program that explores the most advanced science surrounding tobacco control and the impact of evidence-based policy strategies.
9.Participate in Tar Wars
. Tar Wars, the AAFP's smoking prevention program, helps prevent young people from using tobacco and nicotine products.10. Access data portals
. The tobacco use data portal provides access to the most recent data, graphics and maps on tobacco prevention and control, which users can download for further analysis. The AAFP is committed to reducing the prevalence of tobacco use through these strategies and others.By utilizing these resources, individuals can take steps towards quitting smoking or using other forms of tobacco.
