How to Quit Smoking

According to state health officials, nine out of ten smokers started in their teens

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: May 31, 2012 at 8:36 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 4, 2012 at 1:51 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - "It's evil. It's evil. I want my health back,” said Randy Salomon, waiting for his bus in downtown Anchorage.

Tobacco addiction has been a part of Salomon's life for many years.

"I started smoking when I was 11 or 12, when I was a young kid. I didn't have to buy them because my mom and dad smoked Pall Mall, and Lucky Strike, and Chesterfield and they're all free.”

Not even after his mother passed away from lung cancer, could Salomon quit.

“It's so hard, it's so hard. You know the patches have worked, but then when you get around friends that are smoking, and in a vehicle that are smoking, you just get that scent and you’re like ok just one."

And not even after he developed throat cancer.

"So I went through the chemo and radiation, but still you get around people that smoke and you get that scent."

Thursday, was day one of Salomon’s latest attempt to quit.

“I'm trying to go cold turkey until my patches get here, that's what I'm trying to do now and it's hard.”

According to state health officials, nine out of ten smokers started in their teens.

That's why many prevention campaigns are targeting young people.

"We want to target them as young as possible, even in pre-school, elementary school because if we get that into their heads that it's a bad thing when they grow up and they're making choices as young adults, even youth, that they'll make the better choice of not even trying it,” said Brianne Villar, outreach coordinator with the American Lung Association in Alaska.

And every one is welcome to call 1-800–QUIT-NOW for help.
 

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Anonymous said on Friday, Jun 1 at 9:19 AM

KIDS - when someone offers a cigarette - REMEMBER someone you know that has the smokers COUGH and THINK about that - then tell them - naw I want to live thanks!

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