New stop smoking program
offers help with New Year's resolution

Experts says more than 16 million people try to stop smoking every year - and many of these individuals will target January 1 to begin their difficult challenge. That's why BlueCross BlueShield of the Rochester Area (BCBSRA) and the New York State Smokers Quitline are introducing Quit 1-2-3, a new stop smoking program available at no cost to Blue Choice managed care members with asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

The Quit 1-2-3 program is different from most other stop smoking programs because it matches the smoker with a specially trained "quit coach." The "quit coach" offers support, motivation and other resources to help the smoker quit for good. Studies have shown that most smokers make five to seven unsuccessful attempts to quit before finally achieving their goal.

"We understand that quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things, if not the hardest thing a smoker will do," said Sue Burke RM, BS, CDE, supervisor of the BCBSRA Disease Management program. "Just like an individual who wants to lose weight can often stay better focused and motivated when working with a trainer, the Quit 1-2-3 program uses this same teamwork approach."

Eligible Blue Choice members can call the New York State Smokers Quitline toll-free at 888-609-6292, and ask for the Quit 1-2-3 program. Quit 1-2-3 is available at no charge to eligible Blue Choice members through BCBSRA's Disease Management program, which combines medical treatment, pharmaceutical therapy, education and intervention strategies to help members with asthma, diabetes and coronary artery disease to control their condition and enhance their overall health.

Seven ways to help smokers kick the smoking habit

Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking knows that it is one of the toughest things they will ever do. For those who succeed, however, the short- and long-term rewards include breathing easier, improved circulation, a greater sense of smell and taste, and a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and lung cancer.

To help increase the chance to successfully quit smoking in 2003, BlueCross BlueShield of the Rochester Area and the New York State Smokers Quitline offers seven steps smokers can take in their quest to quit:

• Visualize success. Studies of successful quitters show that one of the most important ways to succeed is to believe that they can quit smoking.
• Make a plan. Create a daily plan to follow that includes: times when you want to smoke most and things you can do instead of smoking when you have a craving; names of friends and family you can call for support; give yourself a reward when you have achieved your goal of being smoke free.
• Find a "Quit Buddy." There is strength in numbers, so ask a friend, family member or co-worker to be your support network when you feel yourself slipping.
• Visit your health care practitioner. Research shows that smokers who quit with support from a health care practitioner are more likely to succeed.
• Work it out. Exercise can be an excellent method to reduce stress that in turn helps to reduce the craving to smoke. It can also do wonders to help reduce your weight, lower your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol levels.
• Try a stop smoking program. Seek out community resources available to help smokers quit. One such resource is the New York State Smokers Quitline, which can be reached toll-free at 1-888-609-6292.
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. If you slip up, don't give up. Studies have shown that most smokers make five to seven unsuccessful attempts to quit before finally achieving their goal. Keep at it.