Approximately 17% of Americans still smoke. If you’re among the 70% of them who would like to quit, you have support! First, probably every nonsmoking family member, coworker and friend will be happy to help you in any possible way. Even most of your smoking friends will root for you and perhaps be inspired if you’re able to stop. Then there’s your doctors and dentist, who want to keep you in good health.

Add to the list Healthy Hairdresser; we would love to see salon professionals’ cigarette use drop to zero percent. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not only is smoking the leading cause of preventable death, but for every smoking-related death there are 30 smokers living with a disease caused by smoking.

Online, you have resources. CDC reserves an entire section for stories and tips from people who have quit smoking. Watch their videos or read through their personal accounts of why they smoked and how they quit until you recognize yourself in someone. Let that person’s triumph inspire you to follow through. Online support communities you can join include quit.com and quitsmokingcommunity.org. Both sites contain extensive information about how to quit and “stay quit.” For example, quitsmokingcommunity.org offers these five tips to help you quit for good:

• Share your plan. Telling someone that you’re quitting will keep you accountable.

• Freshen your breath. Sucking mints and brushing your teeth reduces your craving for cigarettes.

• Eat fruit. Many fruits are high in antioxidants to cut toxin levels in your body, and acidic fruits reduce cravings. Keep your mouth occupied!

• Drink water. This, too, will dilute the toxins, reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep your mouth feeling clean.

• Track your progress. Celebrate every day—every hour!—that you don’t pick up a cigarette. If your strategy is to gradually limit the number of cigarettes before completely giving up smoking, celebrate every step.