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Long-term smoking cessation is often something we can’t do on our own. Dr. Ostrager specializes in treatments to help patients stop smoking. New research suggests that methods for smoking cessation should include counseling by a medical professional. Higher success rates have been reported for those patients who do not self-treat. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) created the website Smokefree.gov to list options for patients to consider. Successful treatment options vary, but the first thing to do is to make the decision to quit smoking.
Half the battle is in the decision to quit smoking. Every smoker has his or her own reason to quit smoking, and Dr. Ostrager will evaluate all the options available while procuring a smoking cessation program that will have the highest success rate for that individual.
But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what the American Lung Association says about talking with a doctor to help you quit smoking:
“Healthcare providers can help with information and support you need to live smoke-free. They may help you craft your own quit plan, offer methods to prevent slip-ups, or walk through the pros and cons of nixing nicotine. Doctors or healthcare providers often stick with you throughout your quit journey by scheduling follow up visits or phone calls. Remember, healthcare professionals are not there to judge—they’re there to help you in any way you need to achieve a smokefree life.”
Less than 7% of smokers who try to quit smoking “cold turkey” are successful, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The first week is the hardest time and has the highest failure rate. Additionally, most smokers who fail to stop smoking usually do so within the first three months. It is also important to remember that a single failure is pretty common – even for those who ultimately succeed in their efforts to quit smoking. For this reason it is important to have someone like Dr. Ostrager on your side to help coach you through the setbacks.
Help mitigate the side effects
Most cigarette smokers want to quit but don’t know where to get started and may be concerned about the negative side-effects. Dr. Ostrager can help you quit by identifying symptoms and treating them as they arise. Cessation treatments should include opportunities for a patient to talk with their doctor when the going gets rough. Here are common side effects that a doctor can help treat:
For every person who dies because of smoking-related illness at least 30 people live with a a serious smoking-related illness. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(cold), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risks for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to approximately 41,000 deaths in infants each year. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease in adults Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma and slowed lung growth. Women who are more likely than men to die from smoking.
