Every day, 330 people die in the UK as a result of smoking. Studies had shown that by the age of 70, 83 per cent of non-smokers were alive compared with only 60 per cent of smokers. If you think it’s probably too late now to do anything about your habit don’t despair. Research shows its never too late to quit smoking, in fact those who leave it until middle age still avoid much of the risk and people who stop smoking before the age of 35 survive about as well as life-long non-smokers. Help is available from vantage pharmacy with stop smoking aids and advice on how to quit smoking.
Reasons to quit smoking include
Half of all regular smokers will be killed by their habit
82 per cent of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking
30 per cent of all cancer deaths, 25 per cent of heart disease deaths and 83 per cent of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema are caused by smoking
Smoking doubles the risk of stroke
Smoking increases the risk of many health problems including increased risk of sperm abnormalities, miscarriage and premature birth
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration and sleeping problems. These symptoms are temporary and can be greatly eased with treatments.
For those who want to go ‘Cold Turkey’ without help symptoms are worst at about 2 to 3 days after giving up but gradually subside over the next two to three weeks.
Smoking quit tips
There are numerous ways to quit smoking
Set a quit date preferably one that is stress free, prepare well for it and stick to it
Ask a friend or family member to quit with you for mutual support
Get support and advice from your healthcare professional or the NHS smoking help line on 0800 1690169. Your pharmacist may run cessation clinics and will be able to give you advice on stop smoking aids that will help combat the nicotine withdrawl symptoms.
Avoid situations and places where you will find it difficult not to smoke e.g. at the pub or after a meal. Change your routine to distract yourself from these times e.g. going for a walk after a meal