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Top Tips to Stop Smoking
Pat Purvis, Co-ordinator for Tobacco Control, recommends that these
top tips are offered to people who are trying to stop smoking:
- Tell your friends and family about your attempt to quit and
how you would like them to encourage you.
- Write down all the reasons why you want to stop and keep this
note handy for quick reference to keep you motivated, for example,
in the pocket of a favourite jacket. Concentrate on how much better
you will feel when you are free from your addiction – healthier,
safer, fitter.
- Arm yourself with information on how to get help for moments
when your resolve is weakening. For example, have details for
the Smokers’ Helpline 0800 858585, or the number for your
local pharmacy smoking cessation clinic handy.
- Find out about the drug treatments that could help you. You
can get Nicotine Replacement Therapy – speak to your GP
about your options.
- Use the money you are saving by not smoking to buy yourself
treats.
- Practice saying ‘No thanks, I don’t smoke’.
- Persevere – Not everyone is successful the first time
they try to give up. The important thing is to keep trying.
- If you are making progress and have managed to stay off cigarettes
be sure to tell the people around you – their congratulations
and support will keep you motivated.
Benefits of Quitting
After ..
- 20 minutes - Blood pressure and pulse return to normal
- 8 hours - Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce
by half and oxygen levels return to normal
- 24 hours - Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body
- 48 hours - There is no nocitine left in the body
- 3-9 months - Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve
as lung function increases
- 1 year - Risk of heart attack falls to half that of a smoker
- 10 years - Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker
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