Each year, many smokers make the resolution at New Years this will be the year they quit, and many give up the habit on New Years’ Day. Quitting cold turkey, many work hard to stay away from smoking, but many do relapse. The relapse occurs most frequently around the two to the three-week mark.

Dr. Lanre Medu is a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. He explained there are three effective methods to assist with quitting smoking: Nicotine replacements, such as gums, patches and lozenges; medical assistance with a prescription; and counseling.

“Compared to quitting turkey, the three other options have been associated with a remarkable improvement,” Dr. Medu said.

The most effective method, he added, is to use counseling, and one of the other two options.

Quitting smoking has a number of benefits, including increased life expectancy, reducing secondhand smoke exposure to those around you, a better quality of life, reduced costs, and better breathing.