NO SMOKING DAY, on Friday, is designed to encourage and support smokers to quit the habit. Liz McDonald, who works in the respiratory department at the Cumberland Infirmary, has looked at the effect smoking has on mental health and wellbeing.

Liz said: “Stopping smoking improves your physical health but it is also proven to improve your mental health and wellbeing. 

“Cutting out smoking does improve mood and reduces anxiety.

“Stopping smoking is good for people with mental health problems as they are likely to feel much calmer and more positive.

“Studies have shown that quality of life and positive mood improve. Anxiety, depression and stress levels lower.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. Within 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. After nine hours the carbon monoxide level in the blood reduces by half and oxygen level returns to normal.

 

Less than half of smokers admitted to hospital are offered advice on how to quit, according to a new poll

Less than half of smokers admitted to hospital are offered advice on how to quit, according to a new poll

 

“Within 72 hours – breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy level increase.”

Improvements can also been seen after a couple of weeks.

Liz said: “Within two to 12 weeks your circulation improves and three to nine months any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10 per cent.

“After a year your risk of a heart attack falls to half that of a smoker and after five years your risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Within ten years your risk of death from lung cancer falls to half that of a non-smoker.”

If you take antipsychotic medicines or anti-depressants it is important you talk to your GP or psychiatrist before you stop smoking – the dosage of these medicines may need to be monitored and the amount you need to take may need to be reduced.

Outside of the hospital, people wanting help to stop smoking can contact their local pharmacy for support.

Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but there are things you can do to improve your chances of success.

 

Neil Razor Ruddock who has joined calls to ban smoking in Scotland, and put his heart issues down to his one-time 20-a-day habit. The 53-year-old, who started his career at Millwall, said he had quit cigarettes by vaping and said his children were

Neil 'Razor' Ruddock who has joined calls to ban smoking in Scotland, and put his heart issues down to his one-time 20-a-day habit. The 53-year-old, who started his career at Millwall, said he had quit cigarettes by vaping and said his children were

 

1 Pick a quit date: Choose a day that will be stress-free, and stick to it.

2 Make a list: Write down all the reasons you want to quit. Keep the list handy and read it when the cravings start.

3 Build a support network: Pair up with someone else who’s looking to give up smoking and support each other.

4 Remove any reminders: Before your quit date, get rid of ashtrays, lighters and matches, and any remaining cigarettes.

5 Use stop smoking services: Contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Service for support from trained specialists.

6 Try nicotine replacement therapy: Consider using nicotine replacement therapy, which can more than double your chances of stopping smoking. Read about e-cigarettes and whether they can help quit smoking 

7 Start moving: Scientific studies have proven that exercise, as little as a five minute walk or stretch, cuts the urge to smoke and may even help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals.

8 Avoid trigger situations: Anticipate stressful or trigger situations. So, if you smoke after a meal, go for a short walk instead.

9 Practise saying “no”: Don’t be tempted by just one cigarette; it often leads to another.

10 Treat yourself: Put away some, or all, of the money you would have spent on cigarettes and buy something special.