Dr. Nirali Patel, a board-certified internist on the medical staff at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, hopes the alarming statistic that half of Americans who continue to smoke could die of smoking-related diseases will be enough to make people want to put out their cigarettes.

As a physician, Patel hopes to help people live longer and decrease their chances of getting cancer by hosting community education programs on smoking cessation. Below, she shares steps to take when deciding to quit, methods available and why she wants to see more people put out the smoke in their life.

Q How should someone go about kicking the habit?
A Patients have to have the mindset that they want to quit. If they don’t have their own desire or willpower, it’s never going to happen. Once they have that, then they should see a healthcare professional and decide a game plan. Patients need to pick a quit date and be ready for the quit date. They have to get mentally prepared before actually quitting. They need to tell their family and friends what they plan on doing and that they need support. They always need to have a lifeline — someone to call when they have the urge to have a cigarette and just can’t take it anymore. They also need to get rid of all the ash trays and cigarettes. No hidden stashes anywhere.

Q What methods can people use to help them quit smoking?
A Quitting cold turkey is the most difficult. There are plenty of methods that work for people, including over-the-counter medications, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, sprays and oral medications to help stop the cravings.

Q Once a person stops smoking, then what?
A Just because you’ve quit smoking doesn’t mean you’ll never go back. You still need to have someone guide you and a physician who can make sure there are no changes in the lungs or if there is any inkling of cancer or emphysema. There are some immediate benefits after stopping smoking but your history still counts. In the long term, giving up tobacco can help you live longer. Your risk of getting cancer decreases with each year you stay smoke-free.

Q Why is helping people stop smoking an interest of yours?
A My biggest focus as a doctor is prevention. If we can just prevent the smoking part, we can prevent cancer. It’s something that the patient can do to prevent it. (Cancer from smoking) is the one cancer you do have a say in.
 
Q What do you think is the hardest part about quitting smoking?
A The addiction. That’s why I say the No. 1 thing is mindset. If you don’t have the mindset you’re going to be weak and more likely to take the cigarette instead of saying no.