HOW TO QUIT SMOKING:

Purwa Duggal, head-nutrition therapy, in a Mumbai hospital, says a few simple steps, coupled with a healthy approach, can help achieve this:
Start your day with thinking positive thoughts about quitting smoking.

Make use of healthy substitutes such as apples, carrot sticks, celery, etc.

Opt for vitamin C-rich food,which is a powerful antioxidant,abundant in foods such as guava,oranges, red pepper.This helps protect the body against the oxidative damage caused by smoking.

Keep away from alcohol, sugar and coffee, as these may stimulate a desire to have a cigarette. l

Increase intake of water and plenty of fluids to flush out nicotine from the body.

Never eat large portions. Eat small quantities, frequently and regularly.

Get exercising. Quitting is all about changing your approach — you can change your life when you change your mind.

WHERE HELP IS AT HAND

Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences, Delhi, Ph: 011-22112136, 22114025
PGIMER, Chandigarh, Ph : 0172-2747585
King George's Medical College, Lucknow, Ph: 0522-2257450, 2257451, 2257452, 2257453
Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Bhopal, Ph: 0755-2665720, 2666374, 4255680, 4255682
Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur, Ph: 0141-2700107, 2702106, 2702120, 2702899, 5113107
Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, Tel: 033-24765101/5102/5103
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Ph: 022-24177000, 24146750
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Ph: 080-26995001/5002, 26564140, 26561811, 26565822
National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication, Panaji, Ph: 0832-2423366
MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Ph: 040-23318414, 23318422, 23318424
Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, Ph: 044-24911526 norbert.rego@timesgroup.com
(Source:TOI Mumbai,Times Life, 23rd Sept 2007)