I want to quit smoking. Any advice?

Only a little over 6 percent of smokers are successful in their efforts to quit smoking, but according to Larry McGrath, Director of Respiratory, Sleep Lab and Neuro at HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary’s Avenue Campus, you can significantly boost your odds by seeking the help of a medical professional.

McGrath explains: “The surgeon general identified that brief counseling about smoking cessation from medical professionals helps. The success rate goes up if both medication and counseling or support groups are used.”

Don’t dismiss the idea of hypnotherapy, either. According to McGrath, self-hypnosis can actually be a useful tool. In self-hypnosis, smokers are directed to come up with their own affirmations — short, simple statements of positive action, such as “I don’t want to smoke.” It works, says McGrath, because it makes the individual more open to the idea of quitting. “Hypnosis seems to draw people in, and anything that helps people make an attempt to quit is a good thing,” he says.

For resources on quitting smoking, visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline website at www.nysmokefree.com