Coping on quit day

The 32nd annual Great American Smokeout is this week.  If you've been putting off picking a day to quit, maybe now is your chance to really kick the habit. The American Cancer Society says there is no right way to quit. Some people go cold turkey, and others slowly wean themselves off cigarettes. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your quit day:

1) Spread the news. Pick a date to stop smoking. Mark it on your calendar and tell your family and friends. 2) Out of sight. Get rid of all the cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches in your home, car and office. 3) Stock up. Buy oral substitutes ahead of time such as sugar-free gum, hard candy and carrot sticks. Decide whether you'll use nicotine replacement therapy or other medication. 4) Support system. Enroll in a smoking cessation class or start following a self-help plan. Ask family and friends who smoke not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes where you can see them. 5) Stay active. Try exercising or doing other activities or hobbies to keep your mind off smoking. Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong. Finally, change your routine on the day you quit. Try a new breakfast food. Take a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. It might help you resist the urge to smoke a cigarette. Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.