Want to quit smoking? Try these methods.

• Go cold turkey
• 
  To quit smoking successfully, pick a date and resolve to stop smoking on that date completely.

• Gradually
• 
  Reduce the number of cigarettes each day until you finally stop smoking. Alternatively, delay lighting up each time you feel like having a cigarette. Soon, you'lll be able to go through an entire day without lighting up.

• Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
• 
  If you suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you are trying to quit, NRT can help control the cravings by providing low levels of nicotine.

Nicotine in NRT is delivered much slower and is to be used in reducing dosages over a period of 2-3 months. NRT does not contain tar and carbon monoxide, which are the primary causes of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Available without prescription in the form of gum, patch, inhaler or lozenge.

• Bupropion hydrochloride tablets
• 
  This oral anti-depressant drug is now also prescribed as a quit smoking aid. Check with your doctor to see if this method is suitable for you.

Used in conjunction with counseling or other support programmes, it can help control nicotine cravings and is only available through prescription.

However, this method is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women or if you are taking certain medication.

Where to Get Help

Guardian Quit Centre
Guardian's Shop and Step In Programme is a user-friendly service that offers free quit smoking advice and guidance by a Guardian pharmacist who will help you customize a quit plan that is tailored to your needs.

Guardian Quit Centres are located at 18 outlets, at major shopping malls and residential estates. They operate from Mondays to Sundays, 10.00am - 10.00pm. For list of Guardian Quit Centres, go to http://www.getfresh.com.sg/shop_and_step_in.html

Get Fresh!
For more support and motivation, log on to www.getfresh.com.sg to join the Fresh Air for Women (FAFW) network of friends. You will also find many helpful quit smoking tips. .