How to kick the habit
If your friends smoke it can be tempting to be part of the pack. Kicking the habit takes guts, but it's also the greatest thing you'll ever do for your body. Becoming smoke-free (and staying that way) is an achievement to be proud of.
Burning truths
- Tobacco in cigarettes contains the highly addictive drug nicotine;
- Far from the myth that smoking relaxes you, nicotine is actually a stimulant. Smoking speeds up the body system increasing your heart rate and blood pressure;
- There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco, most of which are bad for your health;
- Smoking can leave your skin up to 40% thinner than normal, making early wrinkles all part of the package.
Thinking of giving up smoking but not sure how to do it? Find out how best to give up the habit. (Produced by Videojug)
Every day people give up smoking in a way that works for them. Some go for hypnosis or nicotine patches, but ultimately it takes willpower.
You've got to want to quit:
- Make a date to stop smoking and stick to it;
- Steer clear of smoke-situations like coffee breaks and doorways;
- Don't look for an excuse to light up. Chewing gum can help keep the craving at bay (anything that keeps your mouth or hands occupied);
- At moments of weakness, focus on the plus points: Save cash. Feel better. Smell fresher. Live longer;
- If you turn to the fridge instead of the fags, make sure it's stocked with healthy food so you don't have to worry about your waistline;
- Remember that every day you go without a smoke you're beating the addiction.
Time it - after:
- 20 mins - your blood pressure drops back to normal levels;
- Two days - there's no more nicotine left in your body;
- Three to nine months - your lung capacity improves by 10%;
- Five months - your risk of a heart attack is 50% less than a smoker;
- 10 years - your chances of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never lit up.
Save money
- A pack of fags costs around a fiver;
- Stub out a 20-a-day habit and save nearly two grand in a year
Save your life
Smoke and your chances of dying early will shoot up. Here's what a long-term habit can do:
- Cancer (lungs, mouth, nose, throat, leukaemia);
- Chronic-breathing problems like bronchitis and emphysema;
- Coronary heart disease, strokes and even gangrene.
