We Aren't Joking, QUIT The Smoking!

Have you ever heard the phrase, "that is an unattractive habit"? Nothing can be truer when it comes to the habit of smoking. By now, you should know how bad smoking is for your health. As for it being an unattractive habit, smoking can lead to yellow teeth, bad breath, a raspy voice, and that's just barely scratching the surface of how bad smoking can damage your body. It is almost boating season at the Lake, the weather is getting better, and it gets darker later now. There are a ton of things to smile about, so don't ruin that smile by smoking. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips on how to quit smoking. Our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics understands how hard this habit can be to give up. Central Ozarks Medical Center believes in you! If you have been quite the smoker to where it is affecting your health in one way or another, contact your local Mid-Missouri health clinic for an appointment today.

Pick a favorite healthy snack and EAT IT!
Whether you love carrots, celery, apples, bananas, or broccoli, find a healthy snack you enjoy. When you quit smoking, your appetite can increase. Keep your mouth busy with eating your favorite healthy snack, when you start to crave a cigarette.

Exercise is your friend.
Exercising can also help keep your mind off smoking. Get a steady exercise routine going. Stick with it and this can motivate you even more not to start smoking again because you probably aren’t going to want to lose all the progress you’ve made on improving your body.

Why have you chosen to quit smoking? 
You probably have a good reason for quitting smoking, whether it be for family, a new baby, or friends; stick by your reasons. Remember it so much that you aren’t motivated to try and start smoking again.

Do something fun.
Finding a new hobby can help keep you busy and distract yourself from wanting to smoke. For example, perhaps try going to the movies, reading a new book, go for a walk, or start doing yoga. The point is to just keep yourself busy. You can also keep your mouth busy by chewing gum. This may make you less likely to smoke.

Avoid triggers.
Throw away all old cigarettes and try to avoid areas where you know there will be a ton of people smoking. If you are serious about quitting smoking, you probably aren’t going to want that temptation in your life.

Our doctors at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to commend you on deciding to quit smoking. This may not be an easy task and you are stronger for choosing to take it on. Again, if smoking has affected your body to the point where you think you need to see a doctor, call Central Ozarks Medical Center today. We have several health clinics throughout Mid-Missouri and our phone numbers and locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.


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573.765.5141 -- Richland
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Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties