Going Places: Travel smoke-free this summer

(NC) - Kids, cars and cigarettes don't mix. That message is spreading quickly across Canada, as more cities and provinces move towards banning smoking in cars carrying children. There's good reason for the momentum - children are exposed to up to sixty times the concentration of second-hand smoke while in a vehicle, compared to less confined indoor spaces, according to a recent Ontario Medical Association report.

"Kicking the habit is challenging, but the lasting effects on your health and your child's health is reason enough to quit for good," says Christine Hampson, president and CEO, Asthma Society of Canada. "Specifically for children, we know that second-hand smoke is a powerful asthma trigger and exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma episodes they have."

The smoking ban is especially timely as many families are planning their summer road trips and vacations. Smokers who are planning to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption while vacationing or on the road are likely dreading the stress associated with travel and the inevitable chorus of "Are we there yet?" from their kids.

The following tips can help smokers control their cravings while travelling this summer:

• Set a personal goal. Make this summer the season to quit and use your road trip or vacation as an opportunity to change your routine.

• Be patient with cravings. When you want a cigarette, wait a few minutes - a nicotine craving usually last three to five minutes. Do something else instead of smoking; try chewing gum or drinking water. Be sure to pack enough supplies for your entire road trip.

• Avoid triggers. Try to avoid triggers that increase your desire for a cigarette, including alcohol, coffee or people who smoke. A road trip can be the perfect  opportunity to get away from triggers in your social routine.

•Use a therapeutic aid. Nicotine replacement therapy like Nicorette gum or the Nicoderm patch can double a smoker's chances of quitting successfully. Combine a smoking cessation aid with counselling or social support to help make your journey to quit less stressful.

• Reward yourself. Plan something special for  reducing  or  stopping your cigarette intake while on the road - treat yourself to a nice meal

or spa service while on vacation.
Whether you're taking the kids camping, visiting the cottage or planning a family road trip this summer, keep these useful travel tips in mind to help you travel smoke-free.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist or visit www.reducetoquit.ca for more information.