Diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease occur in people who have smoked for a number of years. However, there are immediate and obvious benefits from quitting smoking. Do you have questions on these quit smoking aids? If so, find the answers here.

Former smokers live longer than continuing smokers. Quitting smoking has major and immediate health benefits for all, with or without smoking-related diseases, and regardless of gender and age.

For a start, smoking cessation decreases the risks of many types of cancers, heart attacks, strokes and chronic lung diseases within one short year. Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or in their first trimester reduce their risks of birth complications to that of non-smokers.

So why not quit today?

Within 8 Hours
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
Oxygen level in your blood returns to normal.
 
Within 48 Hours
Your chances of having a heart attack deceases.
Your sense of smell and taste returns to normal.
 
Within 72 Hours
Breathing eases as your bronchial tubes relax.
Your decline in lung function stops.
Your energy levels increase.
 
Within 3 Months
Blood circulation improves.
Blood pressure returns to normal.
For men, sperm count returns to normal. For women, fertility improves.
Your lung capacity increases, making walking and aerobic activity easier.
 
Within 1 Year
Your risk of smoking-related heart attack is reduced by 50%.
 
There are various quit methods to choose from. While quitting cold turkey is one of the most effective methods, is it the best for you? Read on to find out how to make your quit journey a success.

Cold turkey

For some smokers who have quit successfully, this is one of the most effective quit methods to start with! Simply decide to stop smoking on a particular date and stay firm on that decision! To avoid temptations, clear all your ashtrays, lighters and cigarette packs and remind yourself of your reasons for quitting. Arm yourself with practical quit tips and with a good dose of willpower, you will succeed!

Seek professional help from quit advisors
Quit Advisors will help to assess your level of addiction, customise a quit plan according to your needs and offer you useful advice and support during your quit journey. With professional help and support, you are four times more likely to quit successfully! You can combine professional advice with any of the other quit methods.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT includes nicotine gum, skin patches, lozenges, nasal sprays or ‘inhalers’. They work by releasing small amounts of nicotine into your body (substituting the nicotine in the cigarette) to counter cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms. This helps you cope better with your day-to-day routine while you are quitting smoking. NRT is useful for smokers who are highly addicted to cigarettes.
NRT is widely available at all pharmacies and does not require a prescription to purchase.

Medication

Medication such as Buproprion Hydrochloride is nicotine-free and works by boosting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain. With more of these chemicals at work, you experience a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a weakening of the urge to smoke. This oral medication is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Consult your doctor to find out if this is suitable for you.

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