Today, most people are aware that smoking is a significant risk factor for most types of heart and vascular diseases, including lower extremity vascular disease, aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease and stroke.

If you are trying to give up smoking, speak to your physician about ways to quit. Formal smoking cessation programs are an option and programs affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian are listed below:

• The Cornell Internal Medicine Associates runs a smoking cessation program that consists of group meetings that promote behavioral changes. The group meets once a week at the NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center, Helmsley Tower, 4th floor. For more information, contact Esther Wei, NP, (212)-746-2882.

• The Department of Food and Nutrition at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center offers a program in smoking cessation that provides support and maintenance of quitting smoking by making healthy life-style changes. The program consists of 24 sessions over 8 months. For information, call (212) 746-0833.