Easier ways to stop smoking
Giving up smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health and protect those around you. Smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease and bronchitis.
Not only is a smoker’s health at risk, but people that breathe second-hand smoke are at risk of the same diseases. Children in particular are affected by second-hand smoke because their bodies are still developing.
So, you probably already know the about the long-term benefits of stopping smoking, but do you know about the many benefits that can kick in as soon as you give up?
Within hours
- You’ll get your breath back. Smokers often become short of breath more quickly than non-smokers.
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Circulation will improve in your hands and feet, making them feel warmer.
Within days
- Your body's defences will be boosted and you’ll get fewer coughs, colds and other viruses.
- You’ll enjoy your food more as your sense of taste and smell return.
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That stale smell of cigarettes that clings to clothes and furniture will fade.
Within months
- Your blood circulation will continue to improve and walking will become easier.
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You'll see the financial benefits - see how much money you've saved from not smoking.
Longer term
- Can keep your heart healthy.
- Because smoking causes wrinkles, quitting will help you look younger for longer.
Quitting smoking
There is no quick or easy way of giving up smoking, but free support is available locally to make it easier for you. The type of support is varied and is tailored to each person’s situation. If you need support and guidance from people who really understand what you are going through, you can be put in touch with others trying to do the same.
More people give up smoking with the help of a support service than by any other means
For those who want to go it alone, here are some tips to help.
- Make a date to quit smoking and stick to it.
- Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes.
- Ask for support from your family and friends.
- Change your routine. Try to avoid situations that make you more likely to smoke, like the shop where you usually buy cigarettes.
- Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you are saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.
- Think positively and take one day at a time. Each day without a cigarette is good for your heart and your health.
When you stop smoking you may initially feel irritable, restless and experience shakiness. This should only last a few weeks and you will soon feel better as your general fitness returns. These feelings are a sign of recovery - it is your body getting used to its normal state.
Start saving yourself some money
There are so many reasons to quit, it is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and the health of those around you!
If you smoke on average 20 cigarettes a day you could save...
- More than £40 a WEEK - why not take the kids to the cinema?
- Up to £171 a MONTH - That would help with the weekly food shop!
- More than £2000 a YEAR - Why not get away from it all with a nice holiday abroad?
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More than £10,400 in 5 YEARS - Is it about time you treated yourself to a new car?
Do you know anybody who would like some help to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking could benefit someone in the following ways;
Save some extra holiday money – an average smoker, getting through 20 cigarettes a day could save you well over £2000 a year! That’s enough for a ten day Caribbean cruise for two people!
Improve your skin and hair for a lovely summer glow – smoking depletes the body of vital nutrients which are important for healthy skin and hair, making you look and feel far less than your best!
More energy and improved wellbeing – smoking can leave you feeling puffed out and tired as the smoke contains carbon monoxide, which reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Oxygen is vital for every bit of your body to function properly.
Improved sense of smell and taste - Smoking leaves a coating in your mouth which reduces your sense of smell and taste. Not so great if you’re planning a tasty BBQ in the sunshine!
These are just a small number of reasons people quit, but everyone has their own personal story, so help someone become ‘smoke free’ today by passing on this message!
We are currently running FREE stop smoking courses at the following locations in Medway;
Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham
Lordswood Healthy Living Centre
Rochester Healthy Living Centre, Rochester
Twydall Health Clinic, Twydall Green, Gillingham
Strood Library, 32 Bryant Road, Strood
Nucleus Arts Centre, High Street, Chatham (New Arts Centre)
Rainham Millenium Centre, Gatekeeper Chase, Rainham
Anyone who books a place will receive 7 weeks of expert advice, support & nicotine replacement or Champix/Zyban on prescription. Just call to book on 01634 823563 or Freephone (landline only) 0800 234 6805.
You can also text ‘QUIT’ to 81025 and we will call you back!
We have a new series of mini-podcasts available for you to listen to for FREE! All podcasts are less than 3 minutes long and provide you with tips, advice and discussions with our specialist stop smoking advisors. Have a listen and download to your Ipod now.
