Breathing easy

Quitting smoking can have instant benefits on your health

Quitting smoking isn't easy, but getting support and resources can make it easier. The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout® event on November 18 is a great time to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. Stopping smoking has many benefits for your health and we have some resources to help you get started.

Health benefits of quitting smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after smoking your last cigarette, your heart rate starts to return to normal. After only one day of not smoking, the nicotine level in your blood drops to zero.

Quitting smoking can boost your health in other ways:

• Improves your quality of life and life expectancy
• Reduces your risk of cancer
• Reduces your risk of getting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Reduces respiratory infections
• Reduces your risk of stroke after five years of not smoking

Tips to quit smoking from Sharecare

Blue Cross of Idaho members have access to Sharecare, a wellbeing tool to help you get and stay healthy. Sharecare offers wellbeing content tailored to your needs and goals, including tips on how to quit smoking. Register and download the app at bcidaho.sharecare.com and take the RealAge® test to start using these helpful resources.

Here are a few tips from Sharecare that may help you quit smoking:

• Track your tobacco use: Seeing your progress can keep you motivated. You can track your tobacco use in Sharecare with the smoking tracker.
• Exercise: Strength training like lifting weights and cardio, such as walking or jogging, can ease stress and anxiety, and lessen the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
• Pick a quit day: Choose a date that is less than a month away to give yourself time to prepare to quit. Schedule a visit with your doctor to talk about your plan to quit.

Find what works for you

It’s never too late to quit smoking. Everyone is different, and people may have different strategies for quitting. Some may go it alone, while others may have an accountability partner or go to a support group to help them stay on track. Find the methods that work best for you so that you can stick with your goal.

Disclaimer: This wellness program is administered by Sharecare, Inc., an independent company that provides health improvement management services to Blue Cross of Idaho members. Sharecare, Inc., does not provide Blue Cross of Idaho products or services and is solely responsible for the health improvement management services it provides.

 

Posted: November 16, 2022