This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 10th, 2015at 1:01 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

It Won’t Be Easy – But Quitting Could Be The Best Decision You Ever Make!

Let’s face it, there are lots of reasons why it’s a good idea to stop smoking. Over time your health deteriorates and your wallet feels the burn too. But even though quitting won’t be the easiest thing you’ll ever do, we reckon it will be up there with the best.

Over 10 million people in the UK still smoke, and around 100,000 die every year from smoking-related causes. That’s 100,000 deaths too many.

Smokers come from all walks of life, each with their own reasons for wanting to quit. For some it’s part of a lifestyle change – to be healthier and fitter. For others, it’s more about how their smoking affects the people around them – their family and little ones.

Whatever your reason, thinking carefully about your motivation and reminding yourself during your quit, can really help you through the tough time.

One Active Nation supporter who quit 2 years ago said: “I have tried to quit many times before but having the help and support of the professionals made all the difference and I haven’t looked back.

“It has been hard at times – but I am now fitter, healthier and hope that I will get to watch my grandchildren grow up and be more active with them.

“I no longer get out of breath just walking up the stairs or when playing with them in the garden. Quitting is the best thing I have ever done!”

You probably know that smoking is one of the biggest preventable causes of premature death in the UK. It’s linked to a range of serious and often fatal conditions; including heart disease and lung cancer.

But there is good news. No matter what your age or how long you’ve been smoking, almost as soon as you quit, the health benefits begin.

Are you under 35? If you stop now, it’s likely you’ll live just as long as a non-smoker.

And even if you’re between 65 and 74, give up smoking and you’ll have a better life expectancy beyond 75 than those who continue to smoke.

If you quit smoking today, your body will start to feel the benefits almost straight away!

After just 20 minutes Your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal

8 hours Nicotine and carbon monoxide start to leave your body and oxygen levels return to normal.

In 24 hours Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

After 48 hours Nicotine has been eliminated from your body and your sense of smell and taste both improve.

In 2 – 12 weeks Exercise becomes easier and your breathing improves.

Between 3 – 9 months Any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems are reduced as your lungs repair.

At the end of the first year Your risk of coronary heart disease is now half that of a smoker.

So what are you waiting for? Click here to get the support that’s available this No Smoking Day: