Quit Smoking –
Save Money and Save Your Health

You can quit smoking even if you have been smoking for as long as 30 years. If you have been smoking for this long your risk of heart disease halves within a year of quitting.

No one is pretending it is easy to quit smoking – some people take up to twelve attempts before they succeed – the lucky ones succeed at the first attempt. The secret is to stick at it. Don’t succumb to the remarks of your friends if your first attempt should fail – they may secretly wish you to keep smoking and keep them company – show some willpower. It can be done.

If you are in the UK the National Health Service (NHS) runs free local no-smoking groups. For more information go to www.gosmokefree.nhs.uk Let the NHS help you to quit smoking.

The latest research shows that if you know your fellow quitters well, you chances of success are higher.

Therefore if you can gather together a group of like-minded friendsall wanting to quit smoking, approach your local primary Care Trust’s ‘smoking cessation service’ asking for a ‘free facilitator’. Go to the NHS Stop Smoking line on 0800 169 0169 and ask for instructions on whom to contact.

Research by QUIT (0800 00 22 00) the charity, shows that nicotine replacement therapy – skin patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nasal sprays of ‘inhalators’ all help and increase your chances of success. It is usual to keep using these products for 8-12 weeks and they are available from supermarkets, pharmacies and GP’s.

There are two prescription drugs – Zyban and Champix which work by blocking the body’s ability to absorb nicotine. There can be side effects so talk to your GP or call QUIT for information.

For those amongst us who are pressed for time, the NHS runs an online service for the addicted puffer at www.gosmokefree.nhs.uk

In addition the charity QUIT also offers an online service for email counselling stopsmoking@quit.org.uk Their web site www.quit.org.uk is very helpful and their mission statement:

To significantly reduce unnecessary suffering and death from smoking related diseases, and aim towards a smoke free UK future. To provide practical help, advice and support to all smokers who want to stop.

just about says it all.

These two services - QUIT and the NHS - have the obvious benefit of being available exactly when you need their help at a time to suit you. Interestingly QUIT also have charity shops - another say to save money. More details on this later.

Exercise is an important factor in giving up. Increase your puff power by increasing your lung capacity and your cardiovascular health at the same time. These are the two areas that are most at risk and even ordinary exercise such as walking will help you..

There are alternative therapies, with hypnotism being the most widely known and publicised. Some people swear by this method but it has not been scientifically proven to work. The same applies to CDs and DVDs. If they work, then that’s fine. The choice is ultimately yours. So long as you are able to quit then that is all that matters.

Do you know of a good tip re not smoking? Why not pass it on to us via the Contact Us pate

For more tips good health take a look at our other pages

Money Saving Tips on Health
Save Money on Medicines