• Quitline Iowa Helps With New Year's Resolutions to Quit Smoking
• Five Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

For smokers who are serious about quitting, the key to success is adequate preparation, according to University of Iowa smoking cessation experts. "Research shows that a person who receives phone counseling during the quitting process is twice as likely to stay smoke-free as someone who tries to quit on their own," said John Lowe, Dr.P.H., professor and head of community and behavioral health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Fortunately, a wide range of smoking cessation resources, including a toll-free Quitline and informational Web sites, are available to Iowa residents.

"These resources equip smokers who want to quit with the tools and information they need to be successful," Lowe noted.

All Iowans can access Quitline Iowa, the statewide toll-free smoking cessation hotline, at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669 for help with quitting. This service is available 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Staffed by trained counselors from the Iowa Tobacco Research Center, Quitline Iowa offers callers state-of-the-art smoking cessation services over the phone. Callers also can request free materials to be sent in the mail, or referrals to smoking cessation resources in their community, including support groups, clinics, and consultants.

In the initial call to Quitline Iowa, a counselor helps determine the best method for a smoker to quit, based on the caller's smoking history, past quit attempts, and level of readiness. The counselor can assist in developing an individualized plan and provide follow-up calls for on-going support before, during and after the quitting process.

If a smoker is not ready to call, Quitline Iowa provides on-line resources through its Web site. Visitors can use the smoking cost calculator to see the impact their habit has on their wallet, request information to be received by mail, download materials to use on their own and e-mail questions to a Quitline Iowa counselor through the Ask-A-Counselor feature.

"Studies indicate that it may take several attempts to quit smoking, so people should not be discouraged if they don't succeed the first time," said Esther Baker, Iowa Tobacco Research Center program coordinator. "The Quitline Iowa toll-free hotline and Web site can provide individuals with the tools, resources and support tailored to their specific needs in order to help them quit successfully."

Quitline Iowa is a service provided by the Iowa Tobacco Research Center, part of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health in the UI College of Public Health, and is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health with funds from the state's tobacco settlement.

For more information, contact Esther Baker at 319-384-4845.

• Stay motivated
  • Remind yourself every day why you are quitting.
  • Picture yourself as a non-smoker.
  • Avoid situations that you connect with smoking.
• Have a plan to fight cravings
  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
  • Find activities to keep you busy--take a walk, clean house, find hobbies.
  • Find something to have in your mouth--chew gum, eat a healthy snack like vegetables or air-popped popcorn, or suck on sugar-free hard candy.
• Reduce stress
  • Exercise.
  • Do some deep breathing--take a deep breath, hold it for several seconds, then release it very, very slowly.
  • Talk to a supportive friend or family member.
• If you slip, don't give up
  • Give yourself credit for trying.
  • Renew your resolution to quit.
  • Remember that it may take several attempts to become smoke-free.
• Call Quitline Iowa at 1-866-U-CAN-TRY (866-822-6879) or visit their Web site www.quitlineiowa.org).
  • Talk to a trained counselor who can help you develop a quit plan.
  • Get information on the health benefits of quitting and strategies to help you quit.
  • Receive follow-up calls for ongoing support.

For more information:

Quitline Iowa

Iowa Tobacco Research Center

Cancer Information Service