Maine’s adult smoking rate is higher than the national average and is the highest of the Northeast states.  Nearly 1 in 6 (15.6%) Maine adults smoke cigarettes, compared to 14.4% of adults nationwide, according to Maine’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Advisory Council.

About 2,400 adults in Maine die each year from conditions caused by their own smoking—including more than 33.6% of cancer deaths in Maine attributed to smoking.

The great thing about quitting is that you begin to get better at once and within just 24 hours without a cigarette, you’ll be at a lower risk of a heart attack and within 48 hours, you’ll notice that you’re better able to taste and smell food.

Here are a few tips to help you get started on a plan:

• It may seem obvious, but the first thing you need to do is decide to quit—and know why you want to quit. Are you worried about getting sick? Do you want to rid yourself of a 35-year habit because you want to be healthy for your grandchildren? Are you tired of spending money on tobacco? Any reason is a good reason, as long as it’s your reason.
• Choose a quit day within a couple of weeks or a month in advance to give yourself time to prepare and know how you want to quit. Additionally, set some short-term goals that you can meet.
• Find the tools you need. Remember, tobacco use is mental and physical. Most people find a way to change their personal habits, then rely on support from a coach or friend, and often include medication. It’s a good idea to talk to your primary care physician or a health coach to find the plan that’s best for you.
• Practice quitting before your quit day. That is, maybe play a game with your family instead of having a cigarette after dinner. Skip smoking in your car or put off that first morning light.
• On your quit day, don’t even take one puff, and use the resources you need. You’ll see the impact right away. You’ll likely have to work through withdrawal symptoms, but your heart rate returns to normal within hours. And within two weeks, you’ll notice that you’re already breathing easier.

If you are a Community Health Options Member, we’ll have your back. You have coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for things like nicotine replacement products or any FDA-approved medications to quit tobacco use when they’re prescribed by a network provider. That coverage includes generic nicotine replacement therapy, like gum, patches or lozenges. Community Health Options also covers a 90-day supply of Chantix, a smoking cessation medicine, if your provider decides you need it to get started. Health plans also offer tobacco cessation education and counseling. And if you have access to the Community Health Options digital wellness platform offered through WellRight®, you may also have access to unlimited health coaching. Check your plan for specific details.