Advice for those looking to quit smoking

(WJBK) - Quitting smoking is one of the most common new year's resolutions. 

In fact, seven out of every 10 smokers want to quit -- but figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. 

Dr. Gina Lynem from Blue Cross Blue Shield joined us in studio with some advice on how to kick the habit once and for all in 2018. 

First, she says it's important to know that smoking puts thousands of toxic chemicals in your body, and dozens of them are cancer-causing. Nicotine is the one that causes the addiction. 

"The CDC says it takes about 8 to 11 attempts before a person quits smoking," she tells us. She says most quit by stopping cold turkey, but there are other ways to stop as well. 

Some non-prescription aids are available, such as nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Your physician can also prescribe aids as well. 

Lynem says one day of not smoking can bring down your heart rate and blood pressure, and a cease in smoke, of course, reduces your rick of heart disease and cancer. 

You can hear more from her in the video player above.