Quit-smoking basics
Learning Center
Lower your risk of breast cancer
Research shows that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of breast cancer, even if you're at high risk. To lower your risk: 1. Limit alcohol. Even small amounts increase your risk. 2. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. 3. Be physically active. 4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking: Try stop-smoking products
Don't be afraid to use stop-smoking products to help you quit. Stop-smoking products are a legitimate way to handle withdrawal symptoms and tobacco cravings. Several types of nicotine-replacement products are available. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription. In addition, two quit-smoking medications that don't contain nicotine are available by prescription. Talk to your health care provider about which stop-smoking products may be right for you.
What's your high blood pressure risk?
High blood pressure has many risk factors. Some you can't control, such as age, race and family history. But don't throw up your hands quite yet. Some risk factors are within your control, such as excess weight, inactivity, alcohol misuse and stress. Make healthy lifestyle changes a priority: 1. Lose excess weight. 2. Include physical activity in your daily routine. 3. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 4. Learn healthy ways to handle stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. 5. Avoid excess salt in your diet.