Smoking continues to be the major cause of premature death with around 80,000 smoking related deaths every year.
The cost of smoking to the NHS has been estimated at over £2.7 billion with secondhand smoking costing the NHS a further £217 million per year.
Why should you quit?
Reduce the risks to your health
Your body will begin to repair itself as soon as you stop smoking and you’ll go on feeling the health benefits for the rest of your life. You will reduce your risk of developing by cancer, heart or lung disease.
Look better and feel more confident
Smoking can make you look 10 to 20 years older. It causes a sallow, wrinkled appearance, stained teeth and gums, and discoloured fingernails.
Better sense of taste and smell
Stopping smoking gives a boost to your sense of smell and taste.
More money
At today’s prices, someone smoking 20 cigarettes a day will spend over £38,000 during the next 20 years. Imagine what you could do with all that extra cash!
More energy
When you stop smoking your energy levels quickly start to improve.
Less stress
Do it for your family
By not smoking you will protect the health of those around you which will make a huge difference to you and your family. You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby. It’s one of the best things you can do for your loved ones.
There are so many reasons to quit smoking for good. Whatever your reasons, Never give up giving up…
Why should I quit if I’m pregnant?
Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen in your body; this means that your baby will also get less oxygen. Oxygen is vital for your baby’s healthy growth and development, this is why your midwife will screen you for carbon monoxide exposure during your pregnancy.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for both you and your baby. Our advisors can help both you and your partner to take the first steps to giving your baby the best possible start in life. Stopping smoking will also:
- Reduce the risk of miscarriage or still birth
- Reduce the risk of your baby being born underdeveloped or born prematurely
- Reduce the risk of your child suffering from asthma and other conditions such as glue ear and meningitis.
Once your baby is born, although it may be very tempting to start smoking again staying smokefree is very important for you and your baby. By staying smokefree your baby may have:
- Fewer coughs, colds and ear infections
- Better development
- Less risk of developing asthma
- Less risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome
There is free support available for you and your family to help you stop smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is also available for you to help you stop and stay stopped. We know that using NRT whilst pregnant is safer than smoking both for you and your baby, and having support from us will mean that you are much more likely to quit successfully.
Why should I quit before surgery?
In addition to the general health risks associated with smoking, research has shown that smokers are also more likely to suffer complications during and following surgery.
Benefits of quitting before surgery:
- reduces the risk of post-operative complications including breathing difficulties
- wounds and bones heal quicker
- reduces the need for further surgery
- shortens the amount of time needed in hospital
Its best to to quit about two months before surgery for the most benefit, but even a few days is helpful. The Royal College of Anaesthetists advises that they should at least refrain from smoking on the day of surgery to help avoid breathing problems during the procedure.
