Quitting Smoking

Why quit smoking?

You probably know that smoking is harmful to your lungs but did you know that it is also damages your heart and blood vessels?
In fact, if you smoke you are 2-4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

There are thousands of chemicals in the smoke you inhale which can:

• Damage the lining of your arteries
• Reduce the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry
• Raise your blood pressure, so that your heart has to work harder
• Make your blood more likely to clot.

Cigarette smoking costs nearly $14 per day for 20 cigarettes, $95 per week, $4,950 per year $49,504 over 10 years! Think what you could do with that money. 

Remember that smoking around others can damage their health too.

How can I stop smoking?

You are twice as likely to quit permanently with support rather than without support and if you use appropriate medication you are twice as likely to quit permanently.

If you want to quit, here are some things that have been shown to help:

• Write a list of your reasons for quitting and keep the list with you as a constant reminder of the benefits you will enjoy
• Set a date for quitting and stick to it
• Tell the people who will support you about your quitting
• Get rid of all tobacco products
• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) will minimise withdrawal symptoms
• Be aware of situations in which you are more likely to smoke and practice in your mind how you will deal with them
• Be positive
• You are more likely to remain positive if you continue to reward yourself, short, medium and long-term for being a non-smoker.

Remember help is available should you need it.

Please remember NRT products are medicines please keep them out of the reach of children.