When I was young nobody said
That I should exercise.
The times were tough, the hours were long,
Before I closed my eyes.

But as the years went jogging by,
I felt I'd earned the right
Just to relax, to talk with friends,
And get some sleep at night.

So, I just sat. My joints got stiff
And sleep was but a dream;
I found that "just relaxing"
Was not as it had seemed.

Yet I still thought that feeling fit
Was just for younger folks;
That walking, swimming, riding bikes
Were only empty hopes.

So I would sit here in the park
And watch as they passed by-
The walkers, joggers, cyclists, too,
All healthier than I.

Until an 82-year-old
Walked briskly as could be
Up to my bench and, smiling, said,
"Why don't you walk with me?"

He showed me how to start off slow;
I did as I was taught.
And now I've learned that I can do
A lot more than I thought.

I feel so fine, I sleep so well,
At last I've come to see
That while I won't outrun the years
They'll never outrun me.

If you're using a nicotine patch:

The directions or your doctor may recommend that you switch to a lower dose patch starting 2-4 weeks after you quit. You may even switch more than once before you come off the patch.

Don't be surprised if you feel on edge, cranky or tense for a day or two when you switch down or when you stop the patch. These are normal withdrawal reactions - signs that your body is getting free of all nicotine. Just use the Four D's and other coping methods that worked when you first quit.

If you're using nicotine gum:

Start to reduce the gum slowly after 3 to 4 weeks. Each week, cut your daily quota down by 1 to 2 pieces. You might also try cutting pieces in half, alternating with regular gum or switching from the 4 mg to the 2 mg strength. You may want to check with your doctor to discuss which is best for you.

Your goal is to be off the gum 3 to 6 months after you quit smoking. Talk with your doctor if you find it hard to stop using the gum on a daily basis after 6 months. But even after you quit the gum, be sure to keep some gum on hand for crises.

If you're using nicotine nasal spray:

It may be harder to wean off nicotine nasal spray than to wean off patches or gum. If you have a hard time, see the tips on pages 22-23 and call your doctor or clinic. Your doctor may suggest cutting your usual dose in ha