Today marks No Smoking Day (March 12), an ideal occasion to kick the cigarette habit if you’ve been procrastinating. The NHS warns that every cigarette smoked is detrimental, and smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England, accounting for over 800,000 fatalities annually.
While quitting smoking may be challenging, it could be one of the most beneficial decisions you make. There are numerous reasons to quit, with the primary one being the increased risk of lung cancer associated with smoking.
However, according to the NHS, quitting can halve this risk. Quitting also brings a host of other benefits, such as enhanced general fitness, respiratory function, and fertility. It can also improve the appearance of your skin and teeth.
Ceasing smoking can have a profound effect on your health, with your body beginning to respond immediately.
Dr Ezgi Ozcan, a GP trainee based in North London, has detailed what happens to your body when you smoke your last cigarette, stating that the benefits commence “immediately”.
Dr Ozcan explains that your heart rate normalises just 20 minutes after quitting. Within 48 hours, she says, your “carbon monoxide levels will have dropped to that of a non-smoker and your taste and smell are improving”.
Just two weeks post-quitting, the GP says your “blood flow through your heart and muscles are much better because your circulation has improved”, making physical activity easier to maintain. Within three months, you could experience up to a 10% boost in lung function, facilitating easier breathing.
A year into your smoke-free journey, the likelihood of suffering a heart attack is cut by half compared with current smokers.
She urged: “Remember, it’s never too late to give up smoking. Quitting smoking can feel hard, but every step forward is worth it.”
How to give up smoking
There are many different ways to stop smoking, and lots of help is available. You can access things like prescription medicines, nicotine replacement therapy or use e-cigarettes.
According to Cancer Research UK, the best way to stop smoking is using a combination of treatment and specialist help from free local stop smoking services. You can find your local stop smoking service here.
There are many benefits to stopping smoking, but it can be difficult at first. It can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as feeling depressed, poor concentration, poor sleep and feeling sick. It’s important to remember that your GP, pharmacist or health visitor can help you and refer you to a stop smoking adviser.