Quit-smoking action plan
Learning Center
Quit smoking: Line up support
The more support you have, the more likely you are to stop smoking. Tell your family, friends and co-workers that you are going to quit smoking. Ask them to check in to see how you're doing. Ask friends who smoke not to smoke around you or offer you a cigarette. Ask them to be patient with your changes in mood. Also consider joining a support group in person or online.
Quit smoking: Ask for help
Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for help to stop smoking. Treatments that can lessen cravings include nicotine replacement, which can be administered with a skin patch, lozenges, gum, inhalers or nasal sprays. Non-nicotine medication can also help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms by mimicking how nicotine functions in your body.
Hay fever: How to avoid triggers
If you have hay fever, the best thing you can do is to take steps to lessen your exposure to allergens, such as pollen and mold spores: 1. Close doors and windows during pollen season. 2. Use air conditioning in your house and car. 3. Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning, when pollen counts are highest, and also on high pollen-count days. 4. Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity. 5. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
Have brown or Black skin? Use sunscreen
If you have brown or Black skin, you still need sunscreen. It's a myth that people with skin that doesn't burn easily can skip the sunscreen. Regardless of skin color, the sun's energy penetrates deeply into the skin. This causes damage that may ultimately lead to skin cancer. If you spend time outdoors during daylight hours, you need to use sunscreen.
Don't let your tots burn
When you head outside for family fun this summer, be sure to protect small children from burns. Keep sunblock handy and protect against other burn hazards: 1. Keep little ones away from grills, fire pits and campfires. 2. Don't let children play with or near fireworks or sparklers. 3. Check children's car seats for hot straps or buckles. These can heat up quickly in a car parked in direct sunlight.
Banish back pain
Back pain is a common complaint. In most cases, you can take steps to prevent back pain. Try these: 1. Exercise regularly. 2. Practice good posture. 3. Use proper lifting techniques. 4. Sit in chairs that support your lower back. 5. Maintain a healthy weight.
Bad breath? Drink more water
If your morning breath seems to last all day, you may not be drinking enough water. Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which helps keep bad breath at bay. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (again, sugarless) can help, too. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or doctor may recommend an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Are you a step ahead of athlete's foot?
The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in a warm and wet environment. To stay a step ahead of it, follow these tips: 1. Wear well-ventilated shoes that allow your feet to breathe. 2. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
Applying sunscreen? Don't be stingy
Most people use sunscreen too sparingly. If you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last long. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.
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