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FEBRUARY 2021

Go tobacco-free in 2021

Kicking the habit is tough, but there’s more help for you than ever before.
by Linda R. Bernstein

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Almost 35 million American adults use tobacco – and thousands of young people pick up this addicting and dangerous habit every day. If you use tobacco, including vaping, it’s time to take steps so that you can start 2021 tobacco-free.

Why quit?

Tobacco is responsible for nearly one in five deaths annually in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco hurts nearly every part of the body and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

It can increase the risk of emphysema and other breathing disorders, and can cause bone, teeth and gum, vision, arthritis and immune problems as well as Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. It can also affect pregnancy, fertility and babies’ health.

Why is quitting so tough?

Nicotine, naturally found in tobacco, is very addictive, so it may take several tries to quit smoking. Withdrawal symptoms may include depression, feeling angry or irritable, anxiety, cravings for tobacco products and feeling hungrier than usual with resultant weight gain.

Ways to quit tobacco

There are several ways to quit smoking, including talking to a health care provider, group or individual counseling, and other forms of therapy.

Nicotine replacement products help you reduce your nicotine dose over time and avoid the other toxic ingredients of cigarettes. These products are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription from your doctor. OTC nicotine replacement products come in the form of a patch, gum or lozenge.

Prescription nicotine comes as a patch, inhaler or nasal spray. Prescription non-nicotine medications used to help quit smoking include bupropion SR and varenicline tartrate, and are in tablet form. The products vary in cost.

Ask your health care provider and/or pharmacist before use to see if a tobacco cessation product is right for you, especially if you have other medical conditions. These products may cause side effects, so report any unusual reactions to your health care provider. Pregnant women may be advised against use.

Useful information for people who want to quit smoking can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Start off the new year in the best way possible. Make a pledge to become tobacco-free in 2021.

Linda R. Bernstein, Pharm.D., is president and CEO of Vita Media Corporation, a medical communications company.

Story originally published in Costco Connection’s December 2019 issue.