Introduction to the series

Welcome to the itscanadastime.com podcast series on smoking cessation. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process and it may take several attempts before managing to successfully become smoke-free. This is because of the addictive properties of nicotine in cigarettes and the psychological and physical dependence caused by smoking. You’re listening to this podcast because you or someone you love is hoping to quit smoking. And this podcast series will help guide you in your quit journey by helping you put an effective quit smoking plan in place. Congratulations on taking an important step in becoming smoke-free for life.

This podcast series is designed to be listened to at stages throughout the quitting process, rather than on a daily or weekly basis. At the end of each episode, the host will let you know when you should be listening to the next podcast on your journey to become smoke-free. There are also special podcasts in the series that you can listen to when you need a little bit of extra support in between formal episodes.

Episode 1: So You Are Thinking About Quitting

Listen to episode when you first decide you are ready to quit

This podcast series on smoking cessation for itscanadastime.com is designed to be listened to at stages throughout the quitting process, rather than on a daily or weekly basis. At the end of each episode, Dr. Lew Pliamm, lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Toronto and Founder and Medical Director of The Quit Clinic Inc. as well as host of the series, will let you know when you should be listening to the next podcast on your journey to become smoke-free. There are also special podcasts in the series that you can listen to when you need a little bit of extra support in between formal episodes.

Today, for our first episode we will be talking about smoking facts, including why it is so hard to quit and the benefits of quitting.

Episode 2: Make A Plan By Involving Your Physician

Dr. Lew Pliamm, lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Toronto and Founder and Medical Director of The Quit Clinic Inc., as well as host of the series on smoking cessation for itscanadastime.com, discusses the importance of having a plan in place when you want to quit smoking.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses the important role that pharmacists and physicians can play in your journey to become smoke-free.

Episode 3: Questions for Your Doctor

Listen after booking an appointment with your doctor

Today our discussion will focus on preparing for your doctor’s appointment, an important step in the quitting process. After this podcast you should have a good idea of what you should ask your doctor, as well as all the types of questions they may ask you.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker explains why she believes she would have had less difficulty quitting had she known she could speak with her doctor.

Episode 4: Preparing Yourself

Listen once you’ve spoken to your doctor and are ready to employ your plan of action

Today we will discuss the next step of the plan to quit smoking, including setting a realistic quit date and preparing yourself mentally and physically.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses his decision to quit smoking with his wife and the positive effect this partnership has on their success.

Episode 5: Countdown to Quit

Listen one week before quit date

The countdown to quit is on! It is just one week before your quit date. Today we will discuss some helpful tips to prepare yourself and dealing with withdrawal.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses a particular challenge she faced when trying to quit.

Episode 6: The First Day of The Rest Of Your Life

Listen to on your quit date

Today is an exciting day. Today is the first day of the rest of your non-smoking life. We will reflect on the accomplishments you have made so far and discuss ways in which other people, just like you, have made it through the first day of quitting smoking, which is usually the most difficult. Remember, day one can be the toughest as your body needs to adjust to the absence of nicotine, but you can do it.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker provides tips for people in the early days of quitting smoking.

Episode 7: You Can Do It!

Listen on day two of being smoke-free

Congratulations! You’ve passed day one. You have the power. It’s you that is now in control of your life, not those cigarettes. Keep strong by reminding yourself being smoke-free will make you feel better be healthier and live longer. Every day is one step closer to quitting forever. It’s never too late to quit and by quitting now, you will have a healthier life. You can’t give up now.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses her major reasons for quitting smoking including health and financial reasons.

Episode 8: Maintaining Momentum (1)

Listen on week two as a non-smoker

It’s the start of another week, which means another milestone reached. You should be feeling very proud. Today we will discuss the progress you have made and some of the benefits you are already experiencing by not smoking.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses improvements to her health that she observed after quitting smoking.

Episode 9: Maintaining Momentum (2)

Listen at beginning of month two as a non-smoker

Today marks the start of your second smoke-free month. It is important to stay positive and encourage yourself to stay the course. Quitting smoking can be hard, but it’s not impossible. And you have the power. The first thing you should remind yourself of this is that are not alone. Quitting smoking is difficult and often times there are others who are encountering the same experiences and challenges as you are.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses difficulties she faced when she first tried to quit smoking.

Episode 10: Maintaining Momentum (3)

Listen at beginning of month three as a non-smoker

You’ve reached month three and you’re discovering a new meaning to quality of life. Now that you’re an ex-smoker, think about all you have accomplished. Today, in this final episode of the series, we will discuss some of the temptations you may have and how to get back on track if you relapse.

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker shares her success in becoming a non-smoker.

You have accomplished so much, you should be proud of yourself. Maintaining a smoke-free life is one of the most positive steps you can make. I wish you well in the future. Remember, you can stay smoke-free. You have the power to take control of your addiction.

Episode 11: You’re not alone (1)

Listen when you need extra motivation

This is the first special podcast designed to help you find inner strength and motivation to stay quit. You are likely listening to this because you are finding the quitting process challenging, but be strong, I know you can do it!

Also in this episode, an ex-smoker discusses the changes and improvements he has felt since quitting smoking.

Hang in there, quitting an addiction is challenging. If it wasn’t, you likely would have quit long ago. Reflect on the positive steps you have already taken and don’t be too hard on yourself. You can do this.

Episode 12: You’re not alone (2)

Listen when you need extra motivation

This is the second and final special podcast designed to help you find inner strength and motivation to stay quit. You are likely listening to this because you are finding the quit process challenging. But be strong, I know you can do it. Everyone experiences moments of weakness. But stay positive and distract yourself from any negative thoughts or actions.

Dr. Pliamm discusses tips that will keep your mind off of smoking and an ex-smoker shares words of encouragement.

Theme music for the series is Rising Up by Paul Garay courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.