With recent news that non-smokers who are married to smokers run a significant higher risk for experiencing a stroke, I think it’s time to look for good sources that provide information on how to stop smoking.

The National Institute of Ageing conducted a study on 16,000-plus participants 50+ years and married. All were categorized according to smoking habits and observed for stroke incidence between 1992 and 2006. The findings showed: non-smokers married to a current smoker were found to have a 42% increased risk for stroke, compared with those married to spouses that had never smoked. Ex-smoker married to a current smoker had a 72% increased risk for stroke. This supports the growing evidence that secondhand smoke is harmful, not only to the smoker, but also those that live with them.

The statistics on smoking in America are alarming. The American Lung Association summarizes it as follows:

Lungusa.com

There are lots of sources online that provide information on how to stop smoking. Here are some of our picks.

1. WebMD

One of the biggest concern among smokers is that when they give up smoking they’ll gain weight. Here’s an excellent article by Suzanne Wright (and reviewed by Brunilda Nazario MD) on how to “drop the habit without picking up weight”.

Photo credit: Smoke Away posted on Flickr

2. Healthline
If you don’t know how to start preparing for your smoke-free days, Healthline provides a “quit smoking plan”:

Making a quit smoking plan - Healthline

3. NetDoctor
Dr Gavin Petrie provides a great article of tips on how to stop smoking, from medicines, to relaxation techniques and diversion tactics.

NetDoctor.co.uk

Merchants offer 40 stop smoking aid products through HealthPricer.