Kern Family Health Care | Family Health | Spring 2016

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CALL TODAY To sign up for
a tobacco cessation program,
call 800-391-2000 .
Q uitting cigarettes is one of
the best things you can do
for your health. But kicking
the habit can add stress to your
life. And if you tend to smoke when
you’re anxious or worried, you’ll
need some new ways to handle
those feelings.
Before your quit date, test out a
few stress-relief strategies. One or
more of these may work for you:
1. Call a timeout. When stress
builds up, find a quiet place to
close your eyes and breathe slowly
and deeply.
2. Take a hike. Walking is a free
and easy way to get the stress-
relief benefits of exercise. Try to
walk outdoors when possible.
Nature and fresh air can be
calming.
3. Distract yourself. Send your
The California
Smokers’ Helpline
can help you quit
QUICK QUIZ
■ ■ Does the Helpline offer free
services?
Yes. The Helpline offers free
telephone counseling, self-help
materials and online help to help
you quit smoking. Call 800-
NO-BUTTS (800-662-8887 ) or
go to to
learn more.
■ ■ Does the Helpline offer text
messaging?
Yes, but only in English at
this time. You can receive texts
each day during the first important
weeks of quitting. You can also
send questions at any time, and
a counselor will respond within
one business day. Go to
to sign up.
■ ■ Can your health care provider
refer you to the Helpline?
Yes, but only if you give
consent or permission. Your
provider or Kern Family Health
Care can refer you to the Helpline
through its web-based referrals. You
will be asked to give consent for
the Helpline to contact you (or your
child) to offer help to quit smoking.
■ ■ Does the Helpline offer
free services for pregnant
smokers?
Yes. The Helpline offers
free telephone counseling and
self-help materials for pregnant
women who want to quit
smoking.
Source: California Smokers’ Helpline
lung health
7 ways to manage
stress when you’re
kicking the habit
mind to a less stressful place, like
the pages of a book or the squares
of a crossword puzzle.
4. Give yourself a good talking
to. Avoid negative self-talk like, “I
can’t do this; it’s too hard.” Instead,
tell yourself: “I’ve overcome other
challenges—I’ve got this.” Also,
think about what makes you feel
grateful. Or a few things you’re
especially good at.
5. Seek guidance. You might
sign up for a class on stress
management. Read a self-help
book. Or find a spiritual practice
that gives you peace of mind.
6. Talk about it. Share your
worries with a friend. Or join a
support group.
7. Address other health concerns.
See your doctor so that worries
about your health—like weight
gain, for example—won’t hurt your
plans for a smoke-free future.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; smokefree.gov
Life can be stressful. So
can quitting cigarettes.
But you can plan ahead
to manage that stress.
4 family health KFHC office address: 5701 Truxtun Ave., No. 201, Bakersfield, CA 93309