Exposed to asbestos and want to quit smoking? Tell others

Ending the smoking habit is more important if you have been exposed to asbestos. Quitting smoking is easier with the support of others. Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit.

Some people like to have friends ask how things are going. Others find it nosy. Tell the people you care about exactly how they can help. Here are some ideas:

• Ask everyone to understand your change in mood. Remind them that this won't last long. (The worst will be over within two weeks.) Tell them this: "The longer I go without cigarettes, the sooner I'll be my old self."

• Does someone close to you smoke? Ask them to quit with you, or at least not to smoke around you.

• Do you take any medicines? Tell your doctor and pharmacist you are quitting. Nicotine changes how some drugs work. You may need to change your prescriptions after you quit.

• Get support from other people. You can try talking with others one-on-one or in a group. You can also get support on the telephone. You can even try an Internet chat room. This kind of support helps smokers quit. The more support you get from other people, the easier it will be. Even a little support can go a long way.