Quitting smoking is hard. There is no other way to say it. But when you are diagnosed with COPD, which is most commonly emphysema, chronic bronchitis or both, this is the first thing your doctors will tell you to do.
If you have already been diagnosed with COPD and you want to quit smoking, are afraid of trying and don’t know how, you are not alone. According to most studies, smoking cigarettes is just as addictive as alcohol, heroine and cocaine.
We Know Quitting Can Be Tough, But Don't Give Up
Many people try time and again to quit and fail even though COPD is a strong motivation to do so. If you are one of them, don’t give up. There are many organizations and even medications to help you. Ask your doctor.
Tips For Giving Up Smoking
Meanwhile, here are some suggestions to help you on the road to a smoke-free life:
- Cutting back doesn’t work. No matter how many cigarettes you smoke daily, every one of them is harmful. Plus, most people cut down only to return to their same amount in a short time.
- Low tar, low nicotine cigarettes do not help you quit. Instead, you are more likely to smoke more and inhale more deeply to get the nicotine you are used to.
- Write about it. Journaling about your habit and the reasons you want to stop can be a powerful way to make quitting easier. Just seeing the importance of your decision, in writing, for your family and your own health, can give you the motivation to quit.
- Find a successful quitter and ask for help. It is a fact that half of all smokers have quit. It is possible! If you know someone who has successfully kicked the habit, get in touch and find out what to expect and how to deal with it.
- Research what’s available and consider using a product to quit. Medications and nicotine replacement therapy have helped many others. Ask your doctor if any of them can help you.
- Try to avoid being around others who smoke when you finally call it quits. In time, you may be able to resist the sights and smells, but early on, you are vulnerable.
- Exercise regularly. Many ex-smokers have reported that even a daily walk can elevate your mood, decrease the number and intensity of cravings and simply make you feel good. Instead of letting COPD keep you inactive, use it as a motivator to get going.
- Eat good food. Of course, this is true for any one, but a balanced diet can help your body to expel the toxins you have accumulated through smoking.
- Drink lots of water. Like a healthy diet, water can help flush toxins out of your body more quickly. Most experts suggest drinking eight glasses of eight ounces each per day.
At Keefe Disability Law, we understand how important it is to take care of yourself when you are struggling with the effects of COPD. We also know that many COPD patients may find it difficult, if not impossible to keep working as the disease progresses.
COPD and Social Security Disability
If you need help with a Massachusetts SSA disability application, or any other part of the process, give your Boston Social Security disability lawyer a call toll-free today at 888-904-6847. Let us help you help yourself
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
