Make 2019 the year you quit

take a few attempts to stop so we would encourage people to find out about the support on offer.

“Go along to your local community pharmacy and they can answer any questions you have and give you upto-date information to help you quit your way.”

Once a person gives up smoking, it only takes 20 minutes for their blood pressure and pulse to return to normal, and in 48 hours the nicotine will have completely left their body, meaning a person’s sense of taste and smell improve.

After 72 hours breathing will become easier and from two to 12 weeks, circulation has improved to the point where exercise becomes easier.

Between three and nine months, ex-smokers will be able to see coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve, and within one year the risk of a heart attack has halved.

Within 10 years of being smoke free, the risk of lung cancer will have halved and the risk of a heart attack is at the same level or non-smokers.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “NHS Tayside’s ‘quit your way’ services provide smoking cessation services and information about support available to NHS staff, patients and members of the public, including the availability of nicotine replacement therapy.

“Help is also in place for patients that smoke to help them remain smoke free while in hospital. Giving up smoking is the single most important lifestyle decision that anyone can make to improve their health immediately.

“Anyone who wants to stop smoking can visit any local community pharmacy or call ‘quit your way’ on 01382 424127 to find out about all the ways NHS Tayside can help support people to become smoke free.

“NHS Tayside’s smoke free policy no longer allows smoking on its grounds to protect people from second hand smoke, particularly for young patients or those that have respiratory conditions or any other condition.

“It aims to help to support the people of Tayside to improve their health by increasing smoke free environments.

“Medium to long term, stopping smoking at any age increases your life expectancy, provided you stop before the onset of serious disease.

“Even if you have developed a disease, you can benefit from stopping as your body will be under less strain and be able to fight it more easily.”