This post is sponsored by CVS MinuteClinic. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
I used to smoke. I started smoking at the age of 15, behind my parents back. I quit about ten years ago when I thought I was having a heart attack. Fortunately, I was not having a heart attack. My scare was a wake-up call for me. I have never wanted a cigarette since quitting that day and have never missed it.
For several months before quitting I was insisting to anyone that smoked that would listen that my cigarettes tasted stale. Others would try them and say they were fine. What I didn’t realize then is that what was happening was my body’s way of sending me signals that it had had enough of smoking and that it was ready to give it up. I didn’t see the signals. I believe that one thing has to happen in order for a person to successfully quit smoking. They have to acknowledge that smoking isn’t healthy and they have to want to quit smoking. Once a person knows and understands those things they can start their journey to becoming smoke-free.
Here’s three facts (courtesy CVS) that you may or may not know about smoking that show just how detrimental to your health it can be.
- Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
- Smoking causes about 1 of every 5 deaths in the United States each year.
- On average, adults who smoke cigarettes die 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.
One of the main reasons that people go to CVS is for products to help them feel well. CVS recognizes how unhealthy smoking is, which is why they recently removed all tobacco products from their stores.
I know quitting the way I did and never missing smoking puts me in the minority. I know plenty of people that either quit smoking or tried to quit smoking. It’s a struggle. Even though people know it isn’t a healthy thing to do they keep on doing it. Studies show that smokers assisted by a health care provider have a greater chance of quitting smoking. It’s with that in mind that CVS created their Start to Stop® smoking cessation program, now available at CVS MinuteClinic. The program is designed to help adults over the age of 18 quit smoking.
The program includes:
- 1-on-1 consultation with a practitioner, including a nicotine-dependence assessment
- Individualized smoking cessation plan and education based on your needsand goals
- Ongoing coaching and support in your efforts to quit smoking
- Nicotine-replacement recommendations or prescriptions written when clinically appropriate
- A visit summary sent to your primary care provider with your permission
As is the case with most difficult journeys, it’s not uncommon for a person to need a little help. Help comes in many forms. A good place to start if you know you need some help is the Smoking Cessation Program at CVS MinuteClinic. Take advantage of the education and coaching they can offer. They can also help you determine what, if any, smoking cessation products would be most helpful to you. Another place you can get support is from family and friends. While I believe quitting smoking must be a personal decision you do for yourself in order for it to work, I also believe that any family that wants to see you healthy will help you in any way they can.
Three interesting facts about what happens after you quit smoking.
- After 24 hours, your risk of heart attack begins to decrease.
- After one year, your risk of heart disease decreases to half that of a current smoker.
- After 5 to 15 years, your risk of stroke is the same as a person who never smoked.
Quitting smoking made a big difference in my life. Aside from the obvious health benefits, I found that things smelled and tasted so much better. Plus, I saved a ton of money! Cigarettes were $2-$4 during the years I smoked. Now they’re like $8-$10 depending on where you live. So expensive! Think of all of the other things that could be done with that money!
In addition to the Smoking Cessation program I’ve mentioned, CVS MinuteClinic also offers a comprehensive Weight Loss Program and Eyelash Lengthening Consultations.
Have you or someone you love ever quit smoking? Do you have any tips to share? Or, if you’ve thought about quitting smoking, do you have any questions I might be able to answer for you?
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It was really a brave move to stop selling cigarettes. It shows how committed to health CVS is.
I think it was great of CVS to take a stand and stop selling cigarettes! Since they sell health products, it doesn’t make sense to sell cigarettes.
I love that CVS stopped selling cigarettes. I’ve always wondered why pharmacies sell tobacco products. Go CVS!
I have never smoked, so I don’t fully understand the struggle, but it’s great that CVS is there to help!
I think it is great that CVS has stopped selling cigarettes. It is also great they have a program to try to help people stop smoking.
My husband is attempting to quit smoking. Hoping these e-cigs he is trying work for him, because nothing else has yet to work!
I love that CVS has stopped selling cigarettes and are encouraging others to quit.
I love that CVS no longer sells cigarettes. Major kudos to them. My husband quit smoking years ago and I remember it was so tough for all of us!
Awesome that CVS does not sell cigarettes anymore! Good for them! My father in law died because of smoking cigarettes 🙁
Well finally! I often wonder why pharmacies sell the very thing that causes illnesses and death! I broke up with a guy because he refused to quit smoking. Can’t deal with that.
What a great move by CVS! So glad they are not selling these products anymore.
That CVS would stop selling cigarettes speaks volumes about their commitment to promoting health! I quit smoking in 1997. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 18 years since I lit up!
I have never been a fan of cigarettes or smoking. It’s a nasty habit!
Quitting smoking can be such a hard thing to do. It is so important to quit as soon as you can. I am lucky and never started smoking.
You did, my inspiration. Hubby did after almost a lifetime. He says 18 months later it is hard still. Miraculuously he didn’t gain weight. I am trying to remain aware and supportive especially when he has had a hard day. He claims that smoking relieved his stress.
I used to smoke 2 packs a day. Don’t now. Enough said.
That’s awesome that you quit cold turkey. I’m sorry you had the health scare, but it sure had a nice ending to go with it. 🙂
I am not a smoker but I know many who are smokers. Most people say they want to quit. My in-laws are the exception in that they never say anything about wanting to quit and they probably have no intention on quitting smoking.
I lost my grandfather a few years ago to lung cancer. He was a smoker. My mother is a smoker and I had hoped his passing would mean she would quit for good. She quit once many many years ago. It’s hard to watch my mom and worry shes going to go down the same path. I wish we had a CVS closer so maybe the Minute Clinic was something she could use for some help.
I love that they stopped selling them! It was wonderful for them to show how much they really care about other’s health!
That is a huge stand that they have taken against stopping the habit of smoking around the country. Only makes me think more highly of them.
CVS has been really forward thinking with their wellness campaigns. This is a great move
I’m proud of you. My father recently quit and I know how hard it really was. I think he was a 40 year or so smoker and he’d tried more than once over the years but this is the final time when it really stuck for him.
I’m proud of you. My father recently quit and I know how hard it really was. I think he was a 40 year or so smoker and he’d tried more than once over the years but this is the final time when it really stuck for him.
I quit smoking last year due to a health scare too. I’m so glad it changed me for the better. Congrats to you too – I know hard hard it is.
I’m hoping my husband quits this year! These tips are so helpful, I’m going to share it with him.