Thanks for the sound advice. It comes at an apt time as millions of Americans will quit smoking in the Great American Smokeout this Thursday. But it’s important to remember that the average smoker quits 7-10 times, so the challenge is not only in quitting originally, but in making sure that you continue to live your life smoke-free. This year there’s a new idea to help smokers stay quit after the official Smokeout on Thursday. Its called Quit and Stay Quit Monday – smokers who make the decision to quit smoking on the Great American Smokeout can reaffirm their commitment to staying tobacco free on the following Monday and each Monday after that to ensure that they are still tobacco-free. Each week is an opportunity for you to celebrate your progress or recommit to improving your health and well-being. Check out http://www.healthymonday.org/stayquit for more info.

I agree with you that many people take up smoking for social reasons or to feel “COOL”. My daughter remarked that she thought the girls were cool that were smoking outside of the grocery store. Then we had to stop for a little old lady crossing the street with a tall oxygen tank.

I told her those “Cool” girls were going to look like that little old lady with COPD in 10 years. Smoking cessation can be made easier with CBT.

Best wishes,
Todd