KICKING BUTT

There’s never a ‘perfect’ time to give up smoking – so, why not make it today?

Smoking is regarded by many as one of the worst addictions of the 20th Century.

It’s easy to say “I’ll quit one day”, but many will never take that next step because the thought of withdrawals will always outweigh the health benefits (namely a significant reduction in the risk of cancer and other serious diseases).

Even immediately after stopping smoking, your body will start returning to its normal state - with blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels dropping quickly.

One of the many methods you can use to quit smoking is vaping.

Vaping uses an “e-cigarette”, and is considered safer because of the absence of the fumes and chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes.

It is also beneficial because others around you don’t breathe in the toxic fumes.

Nicotine patches and gum also offer better alternatives to smoking as these methods involve delivering nicotine in a safer way, and the amount administered is gradually reduced over time.

Some people prefer to use gum because it means they have something in their mouths other than a cigarette.

Hypnosis has also been proven as a successful way of quitting.

The patient is put into an altered state of awareness, and is made to replace thoughts about cigarettes with empowering quitting techniques.

And, of course, there’s always quitting cold turkey.

Cold turkey means stopping smoking altogether with no nicotine replacement treatment, but unfortunately, this is the least successful way of quitting because it relies solely on the willpower of the smoker.

For more detailed information call Quitline on 137 848.