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Smoking Cessation Tips & Facts

About two in every three smokers want to give up smoking, according to Patient UK. In a study of more than 100,000 women, Dr. Stacey Kenfield of Harvard Medical School found that 20 years after they quit smoking, they had no extra risk of death because of their smoking history.

  1. Short-Term Improvements

    • Within only three months your breathing could be healthier.

      Within 72 hours of giving up smoking, breathing becomes easier and energy levels increase. Within one month your skin improves, and within three months your breathing problems improve and lung function increases by up to 10 percent.

    Long-Term Improvements

    • After 15 years your risk of heart attack is no longer elevated.

      After one year your risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. Within 10 years your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. And within 15 years your risk of heart attack falls to the level of someone who has never smoked.

    Tips

    • Throwing away all smoking-related items could improve your chances of quitting.

      Make a list of why you want to stop smoking and keep them with you always, then set a date to stop completely. Don't try cutting down, it is better to stop and deal with the withdrawal symptoms. Throw away all your ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes, and remember take it one day at a time.

    Considerations

    • Attending a support group may help you quit.

      If you do fail, don't be disheartened, there are many ways to increase chances of quitting: patches, gums, sprays, tablets and inhalers. It might also help to attend a support group. People who stop smoking made an average of three or four attempts to give up earlier.

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