Doctors of Chiropractic offer smokers key support in their quest to quit

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April 3, 2012 — Doctors of chiropractic are ready and willing to provide key support to patients who are trying to quit smoking and develop a healthier lifestyle, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

This reminder comes as communities across the country this week observe National Public Health Week (NPHW), which promotes smoking cessation on Tuesday, April 3.

The theme of NPHW 2012 — “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement” — promotes the importance of prevention and wellness in healthcare. Likewise, the chiropractic profession has for more than 100 years promoted the value of prevention as a key component of health and wellness. In addition to providing expert musculoskeletal care, DCs routinely serve as “health coaches” to their patients — which may include helping them to quit smoking.

According to the Surgeon General, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable and premature death, killing an estimated 443,000 Americans each year. ACA offers the following advice to anyone who wants to quit:

• Make a serious mental commitment to quitting.
• Set a quit date.
• Get rid of all cigarettes and smoking accessories (such as ashtrays) in your home, car, and other places where you might be tempted to smoke.
• Do not let people smoke in your home.
• Get support and encouragement from family, friends, co-workers, and former smokers and consider joining a former smokers’ support group.
• When tempted, perform tasks that could help distract you: go for a walk, brush your teeth, exercise, or take a bath.

“Most smokers must kick the habit more than once to finally quit. If you are unsuccessful the first or second time, try again. Don’t see the initial attempts as failures, but as opportunities to learn what doesn’t work,” said ACA President Dr. Keith Overland. “With commitment and perseverance, you will succeed. Your family, friends and most of all, your body will thank you.”

For online support, those trying to quit smoking may visit smokefree.gov/Default.aspx.

Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared NPHW, communities across the country have celebrated and recognized the contributions of public health and highlighted issues that are important to improving the public’s health.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) serves as the organizer of NPHW and develops a national campaign to educate the public, policy-makers and practitioners about issues related to that year’s theme. APHA creates comprehensive planning, organizing and outreach materials that can be used during and after the week to raise awareness. APHA has featured a section devoted to chiropractic and the role that DCs play in public health since 1995.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, acatoday.org