Stop Smoking
Want to Stop Smoking? We can help you stop...
Smoking causes FIVE times the risk of heart attack or stroke, CANCER of lung, larynx, pancreas, bladder and stomach, increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and small babies.Women who smoke or on the "Pill" have 20 times the risk of a stroke and is how 25% of all house fires start.
The benefits of stopping start to show TWO days after stopping.With time nearly all the health risks of smoking disappear.
It is worth stopping
There has never been a better time to stop smoking for good. It is the best thing you can do for your health, and there are many treatments available to help you.
Getting ready
Make a diary to show when you smoke most, get a friend to help and find other ways to relax. Find other things to do instead of smoking see your Doctor about further help and nicotine patches/chewing gum. Set a "quit day".
Stopping
While smoking your last cigarette, throw away all cigarettes, matches etc. Stopping suddenly usually works better than "cutting down". Plan a special activity for "quit day", and give yourself a reward each day.
Staying stopped
Take one day at a time, think "I am no longer a smoker", avoid risk situations, keep busy, take up physical exercise.
Book Into Our Smoking Cessation Clinics (80% Success Rate Achieved)
We offer morning, afternoon or evening clinics. To make an appointment please complete the Smoking Cessation Referral Form (see disclaimer) and hand it into the surgery. Please ensure that you put a day time contact number on your form and we will contact you with an appointment. Alternatively telephone for an apppointment and bring your completed form with you to your appointment.
Please also view our Exercise Referral Form. (see disclaimer)
Benefits of Stopping Smoking
The benefits of stopping smoking can include:
- Increased energy levels.
- Improved taste and smell.
- Improved circulation, making walking and running easier.
- Increased fertility.
- Fewer coughs, wheezing and breathing problems.
- Reduced risk of developing many diseases, including many cancers, heart attacks and strokes.
- Your chances of having a heart attack will be halved within one year.
- Your risk of developing lung cancer will be reduced to that of a non smoker after five to ten years.
Tips for Success
- Set a date - commit yourself to a quit date well in advance.
- Seek help - ask our Smoking Cessation Advisors for help in stopping, since they can initiate treatments to help you and are fully trained to do this.
- Clear out - empty your house, car and office of cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
- Support - seek support from your family and friends, as well as the support provided by your healthcare professional. Find someone to quit with you.
- Weight - don’t try to diet and stop smoking at the same time. Put concerns about weight gain into perspective against the damage caused by smoking. If you are worried, ask your GP about stop smoking aids that might help to reduce weight gained during a quit attempt.
- Keep busy - it is important to keep yourself busy - take up a hobby, or try exercise, which evidence shows may improve long-term success rates.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a stop-smoking aid that allows you to break your dependance on nicotine in cigarettes. NRT has been shown to double your chance of successfully quitting smoking.
There are six types to choose from to suit our level of dependence and personal preference.These include the patch, which is a sticky plaster worn on the skin; gum, lozenges or microtabs, which you suck or chew; the inhalator, which you inhale; and a spray, which is used in the nostrils.Your GP, Nurse or Pharmacist can help you to choose the right product for you.
Is There Anything Else?
There is an oral tablet treatment available only on prescription from your GP.
