WHY & HOW YOU SHOULD STOP SMOKING

We accept that it is impossible for anyone to be a smoker and not know about the consequences of smoking. In other words, you know you are damaging yourself because of the habit, and you probably know exactly the extent of the damage. However, have you ever tried wondering about the benefits if you give up smoking? So instead of another scary scenario, contemplate the positive:

ü      Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and the temperature of your hands and feet will all return to normal

ü      Your blood oxygen level increase to normal and carbon monoxide levels will drop to normal

ü      Your risk of a heart attack decreases by 50%

ü      Damaged nerve endings start to re-grow and your sense of smell and taste return to normal

ü      Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites will pass from your body via your urine. Your bronchial tubes relax, making it easier to breathe. Your lung capacity also increases

ü      Your brain and body physically adjust to functioning without nicotine and the more than 3,500 chemical particles and 500 gases present in each puff

ü      Your circulation improves and walking becomes easier. Your chronic cough, if any, usually disappears. Your overall lung function improves up to 30%

ü      About 10 years after you quit, your risk of death from lung cancer declines by almost half if you were an average smoker. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is now half that of a smoker’s 

ü      In 15 years, your risk of lung cancer decreases by 80 to 90%

So now you are probably contemplating how to quit smoking. The methods range from acupuncture to nicotine patches to drugs, so why not find out which suits you?

Acupuncture: Needles are inserted into key pressure points on various parts of the body. The process is not painful and the needles are removed after some time except for two tiny ones which remain in the ear. The idea is to touch an ear lobe when a craving comes on. Of course, there are no tests to prove the effectiveness of this method, but several smokers have found it valuable

Self-belief: Sounds corny? Well, self-belief and resolve are the two most valuable aids to quit smoking. Although the physical withdrawal symptoms of non-smoking can be more extreme in the early few days, they fade away within the first two or three weeks. If you ask around, you will find that most people give up smoking using this method.

Email motivator: Sign up with a no-smoking support group and receive regular email messages tailored to specific points in your recovery to update you on the progress your body is making and give you plenty of reasons to stay strong.

Laser treatment: This is a new treatment developed by a former smoker, which uses a painless, low-powered laser to stimulate energy points on the body. These in turn stimulate production of endorphins – the body’s natural pain relief chemicals – and theoretically relieve nicotine cravings. But this method is still under scrutiny.

Patches: discreet and easy to use, patches work by releasing a steady dose of nicotine into the blood stream, via the skin. Some patches are intended to be worn during the day only and there are also 24-hour patches. Patches should be applied to a hairless part of your body but not on the same spot two days running. And you SHOULD STOP SMOKING while your patch is on

Gum: This allows you to control your nicotine dose. Learning to chew the gum properly is important. The idea is to chew gently until you get the flavour and then “park” the gum in your cheek so that nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Nasal spray: This is a small bottle of nicotine solution, sprayed directly into the nose. It helps heavier smokers stop smoking.

Microtab: This is a small white tablet which you put underneath your tongue and leave. It works by being absorbed into the lining of the mouth. A similar stop smoking aid is the microtab.

Inhalator: It is a plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted into it. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour, which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat