Stopping smoking
The key to success is wanting to stop smoking and preparing thoroughly as there is no quick fix. Stopping smoking will affect the rest of your life so it is worth doing properly. Before you stop you should take the following into consideration:
- be sure you want to stop
- know why you want to stop
- be ready to make a plan that will work for you
Why it's worth stopping
Below are some smoking facts that happen to your body after stopping smoking, that you might not be aware of
Within:
- 20 minutes your pulse rate will drop
- 1 day your carbon monoxide levels will return to normal
- 48 hours you become nicotine free meaning senses of taste and smell are improved
- 1 year your lung function will improve
- 2 to 4 years your risk of heart attack falls considerably
- 10 years your risk of lung cancer falls considerably
- 10 to 15 years your risk of a heart attack or stroke is the same as someone who never smoked
- by staying smoke-free you can reduce your chances of lung cancer to half that of a smoker and chances of heart attack to be the same as someone who has never smoked!
Stop smoking services
For more information and advice on stopping smoking speak to Student Health or you can contact the following services:
- Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84
- Contact your GP
- Speak to your local pharmacist