World No Tobacco Day: Quit smoking to improve your health

With World No Tobacco Day approaching (31 May) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to consider quitting smoking to improve their health.

“Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself, with benefits for your health, your appearance and your finances,” said Brendan Bonner, Assistant Director of Public Health, (Health Improvement) with the PHA.

“Now more than ever we know that looking after your health is critical to your wellbeing and ability to fight off infections. Stopping smoking will have a positive impact on your health. For example in the context of coronavirus, if you smoke, your fingers are in contact with your lips, increasing the possibility of transmission of diseases such as COVID-19 from hand to mouth.”

Brendan said that quitting smoking is one of the biggest proactive steps we can take to improve our health and general wellbeing.

“We can support you in your quit attempt by supplying an interactive Quit Kit and online advice.

“Just 20 minutes after you stop smoking your heart rate drops to a healthier rate.

“Circulation improves, and your lung function increases between two and 12 weeks afterwards. After one year your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s. After ten years, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of someone who still smokes.”

Giving up smoking can be tough and different approaches will work for different people.

“We know it is not easy and it can take several attempts for many people to quit for good, but if you are determined you can do it,” said Brendan.

“If you have tried to quit before and relapsed, accept it, work out why it happened, and focus on how you can avoid it happening again.”

Top tips for giving up smoking

• Make a date to give up – and stick to it!
• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop. 
• Let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
• Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you're saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.

PHA’s stop smoking website www.stopsmokingni.info has been created with the involvement of smokers and ex-smokers to support people in their quit attempt. The site has information on the benefits of quitting, stop smoking aids, and the current support available and you can also order your free Quit Kit to help give you the best chance of success in becoming smoke free.