Stop Smoking
Smoking and Health
Going
smokefree is one of the most important things to do to dramatically increase
the chances of living longer. Smoking is well established as being bad
for your health, it increases the risk of suffering from diseases such
as cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung disease which in turn will
reduce the quality of life and can result in shortening an individual’s
lifespan by approximately 7-8 years.
However, once your body is smokefree it will begin to heal within 20 minutes, gradually repairing the damage that smoking causes:
- 20 Minutes: Blood pressure and pulse return to normal. Circulation improves – especially in the hands and feet
- 8 Hours: Blood oxygen levels return to normal and the chance of having a heart attack falls.
- 24 Hours: Carbon monoxide leaves the body and the lungs will start to clear mucus and debris.
- 48 Hours: The body will now be nicotine free and taste and smell senses should start to improve.
- 72 Hours: Breathing should become easier.
- 2 - 12 Weeks: Circulation is now improved throughout the body making activities such as walking easier.
- 3 - 9 Months: Lung efficiency has improved by 5-10 per cent and breathing problems such as coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing will be decreasing.
- 5 Years: The chance of having a heart attack is reduced by half compared to a smoker.
- 10 Years: The chance of getting lung cancer is now half that of a smoker and the chance of having a heart attack are the same as someone who has never smoked.
Want to Quit?
People who use their local NHS Stop Smoking service and medication are 4 times more likely to be successful using the service and stop smoking products than going it alone.
There are lots of products out there to help nicotine addiction such as patches, gum, inhalators, microtabs and other stop smoking medicines. The Stop Smoking service can advise which product or a combination of products would work for you and offer you support throughout your quit. The service offers either groups or one-to-one sessions with a trained advisor.
If you would like more information about the local Stop Smoking Service, including the latest information about one-to-one sessions and quit clubs, please contact the Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator on 01322 343067 or health@dartford.gov.uk
