Here we are again at the end of another year. It's time to reflect on the past, make plans for the fresh new year 2010, and scribble down some New Year's resolutions.

To quit smoking is right up there in the top 10 of resolutions along with items such as getting fit, losing weight and cutting back on alcohol drinking. Kicking the smoking habit is one that we will focus on in Health. Why? Well, it just makes sense. Tobacco smoking will cost you 13-15 years of average life expectancy and is responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

Kicking the habit

Smoking cessation - kicking the habit - is a challenging process, but you don't have to feel alone; you can find support. There is support, for example, in counselling and medication to help you stop smoking. So you want to quit:

1) Start reading and educating yourself about smoking and its health risks. Focus on the fact that once you quit, you will breathe easier, become more energised, with improved sense of taste and smell. You will also reduce your risk for various diseases, such as heart and lung diseases, strokes and cancer. You will also save some money.

2)Weigh the above pros against the cons of smoking.

3) Tell close family and friends that you want to stop smoking; enlist their support.

4) See your doctor and ask him or her about nicotine-replacement therapy or medications that can support you in your effort to stop smoking. Some of them will help you manage your cravings for nicotine and the withdrawal symptoms.

5) There are some strategies that you can begin to employ, such as making smoking difficult and inconvenient (for example, smoke with the 'wrong' hand; purchase a brand you don't like); cut back; delay the time of your first cigarette and avoid people, places and things that tempt you to smoke.

6) Reward yourself for your successes.

7) It's challenging, but remember, if you have done it before, it means that you can do it again. Health is focusing on tobacco smoking.

If you really want to stop smoking and need support drop me an email ateulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com. In 200 words or less, tell me how you got started and your efforts to stop. Attach your name, age and contact information.

New Year blessings everyone. Health, wealth and happiness to you all.

Eulalee Thompson is health editor and a professional counsellor; email: eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com.