1. Smoking Cessation: Patient Education Guidelines
Reynel Dan L. Galicinao, BSN, RN

2. CIGARETTE SMOKING

3. • The single most preventable cause of death and
disability today
• Related to about 30% of all cancer deaths
• The leading risk factor for coronary artery disease
and emphysema

4. • Smoking can lead to:
– More dental problems
– Premature aging of the skin
– Increased acid in the stomach
– Decreased exercise tolerance
– Loss of taste bud function
– Problems with pregnancy and fetal growth
– More frequent respiratory infections
– Bad breath

5. Smoking cessation will reverse most of
these risks and allow you to breathe more
easily and feel better.

6. PLAN TO QUIT

7. • Make a list of all the positive things and all the
negative things about smoking
• Consider the short- and long-term health risks on
your list
• Talk to your health care provider about reducing
withdrawal symptoms and cravings for a cigarette
– Nicotine chewing gum, nasal spray, or skin patch to aid
your stop smoking program

8. • Oral medications that do not contain nicotine are
also available by prescription
• Talk to family and friends and form a support
network of people who have quit smoking
• Set a date to quit and don't make excuses

9. • Stock up on low-calorie treats to enjoy when the
urge to smoke hits
– raw vegetables, sugarless gum, popcorn, and sugar-free
soft drinks
• Remove the following from your home, car, and
office
– Ashtrays, Cigarettes
– Matches, Lighters

10. STICK WITH IT

11. • Avoid smoky environments
– Bars, coffee shops, smoking section of restaurants
• Restructure your routine to eliminate times you
previously enjoyed a cigarette
• Anticipate feeling irritable for several days to several
weeks while quitting
• Avoid stressful situations

12. • Increase exercise to relieve tension
– walking, biking, or sporting activities
• Fill free time
• Concentrate on healthy activity
• Occupy your hands
– with modeling clay, knitting, doodling, or a craft project

13. • Brush your teeth often to enjoy fresher breath.
• Reward yourself for not smoking.

14. TRY, TRY AGAIN

15. • If you start smoking again, do not be discouraged
• Many people are successful the second time around
• Review and revise your plan and pick a new quit date

16. • For more information on smoking-cessation
programs, contact:
– American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
– American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org
– American Lung Association: www.lungusa.org.