Quitting Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. When you stop, your lungs are given the chance to repair, and you will be able to breathe easier. Healing begins immediately after quitting and after one year of stopping, you will decrease your chances of a heart attack by 50% compared to an active smoker.
The best and most effective way to quit smoking is to cut out nicotine altogether. Some people may find the use of e-cigarettes or vaping a good alternative as these are substantially less harmful, however, it is important to note that they are fairly new and the long-term health effects of these will not be seen for a while.
For help to quit smoking, visit any community pharmacy and inquire about their smoking cessation programmes. Additionally you can visit Help Me Quit Wales website, for more advice and support.
Getting ready to quit smoking
Preparation is key when planning to stop smoking. Start thinking about:
- Why you started and continue to smoke.
- How you will manage situations in which you usually smoke.
- Your reasons for stopping.
- Setting a quit date and informing family and friends for support.
- Planning any medication or aids needed.
Methods to quit smoking
- Use of nicotine replacement products, such as gum or patches to reduce cravings.
- The use of a vape or e-cigarette in the short-term.
- Replacing smoking with a healthy behaviour, such as exercising, when you feel the urge to smoke.
- Confronting the reasons behind why you smoke and tackling any stress head on.
- Signing up to a local program through your GP.