Kick your smoking habit
Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do. Most smokers say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. Some are successful the first time, but many other people try a number of times before they finally give up for good.
Why should you consider quitting?
There are many good reasons including;
- Improving general health and fitness
- Reduce your chances of developing cancer
- Save the money you would spend on cigarettes (and at the doctor)
- Set a good example for your kids
It's important to remember what your motive is, and make sure you don’t forget it! Write it dow, stick it around your house, even tell your colleagues at work – this way you’ll be able to fight your cravings and push aside any feelings of doubt when you need it most.
Benefits of quitting
You will feel the benefits of quitting straight away as your body repairs itself. Depending on the number of cigarettes you smoke, typical benefits of stopping are:
- After twelve hours almost all of the nicotine is out of your system.
- After twenty-four hours the level of carbon monoxide in your blood has dropped dramatically. You now have more oxygen in your bloodstream.
- After five days most nicotine by-products have gone.
- Within days your sense of taste and smell improves.
- Within a month your blood pressure returns to its normal level and your immune system begins to show signs of recovery.
- Within two months your lungs will no longer be producing extra phlegm caused by smoking.
- After twelve months your increased risk of dying from heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker.
- Stopping smoking reduces the incidence and progression of lung disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- After ten years of stopping your risk of lung cancer is less than half that of a continuing smoker and continues to decline (provided the disease is not already present).
- After fifteen years your risk of heart attack and stroke is almost the same as that of a person who has never smoked.
Preparing to quit
When preparing to quit, finding your own strategy for quitting is important. Different methods suit different people. Choose a quitting method you feel comfortable with that suits your lifestyle. Once you've found the quitting strategy that best suits you, you'll feel more in control of your quitting attempt.
Get professional help
- Call the Quitline on 13 78 48
- Visit QuitNow for ideas on how to quit
- Try out the new app, My QuitBuddy, to guide you in your journey to become smoke-free
- Never forget that your doctor or chemist is always a great port of call
