Giving up smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your heart healthy. If you’ve given up you’ll be well aware of the improvements to your health and overall feeling of wellbeing.
Giving up
When you stop smoking you’ll probably initially feel irritable, restless and experience some shakiness. This is a temporary phase and should only last a few weeks at the very most -these feelings are a sign of recovery!
Nicotine is an addictive substance and your body can start to crave it. If you’re having trouble giving up you might want to try nicotine replacement patches, chewing gum, inhalers and nasal sprays. Ask your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist for more advice.
You’ll feel much better for it!
You probably know about the long-term benefits of stopping smoking, but did you know how many benefits might 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
- Your circulation will improve in your hands and feet, making them feel warmer
- Blood oxygen and carbon monoxide levels normalise
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
- That stale smell of cigarettes that clings to clothes and furniture will disappear
- Your appetite will begin to increase, so try to keep healthy snacks to hand such as fruit and vegetables
- The risk of heart attack or stroke starts decreasing
Within months:
- Your blood circulation will continue to improve and walking will become easier
- You'll see the financial benefits - see how much money you've saved from not smoking!
Longer term:
- Within 5 years the risk of developing lung cancer is halved
- Can help to keep your heart healthy
- Because smoking causes wrinkles, quitting will help you look younger for longer.
Well done, you’ve made the decision to stop smoking – that’s the first step. There are plenty of things that can increase your chances of staying smoke free:
- Make a date to quit smoking and stick to it
- Keep busy to help you 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 smoking room at work or the shop where you usually buy cigarettes
- Treat yourself - if you can, use the money you’re 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.
Website Links:
www.allancarreasyway.com www.smokenders.com http://tobaccofreekids.org www.quitnet.com
