Smoking Cessation by Sister Bernie Turnbull (14th Sep 2000):

I admit it; I am a former smoker and now I am trying to help other people give up. Most of us know that the list of good, sensible reasons for stopping smoking is almost endless, but I know from personal experience how easy it is to put such concerns to the back of your mind.

For instance, I was happy to believe in the myth that smoking is not harmful until we get smoker's cough. The reality is that smoking affects so many aspects of our health and its effects are often not felt until well after the damage is done.

Smokers inhale not only nicotine and tar, but around 4,000 other chemicals that are found in tobacco smoke. Once these toxins are in our lungs they pass into the bloodstream and then enjoy a free ride to every part of our bodies.

Apart from causing lung cancer, smoking leads to many other life-threatening conditions. Indeed, if there was to be one single thing that would improve the health of the population of the North East, it would be an end to smoking.

Don't forget, it is not only the smoker who is at risk. Passive smokers have 10-30% more chance of developing lung cancer than those not exposed to other people's smoke and unborn babies and young children who live in smoking households are more likely to develop lifelong respiratory or middle ear problems.

Then there's the cost.

A good way of motivating yourself to give up is to think carefully about what you could spend the £XX a packet that is currently going up in smoke.

But enough of the lecture. I know how hard it is to quit and I know how helpful it can be to receive support during a difficult time. Some people rely on willpower alone, others look to chemists for a helping hand, but remember, there is no magic wand.

Nicotine patches, chewing gum and even the so-called wonder drug Zyban will only be useful if the person is motivated and committed. People who do choose these routes will probably find it is more effective if they receive formal smoking cessation counselling and follow-up - your GP's surgery or local hospital should be able to supply contact details.

There are some strategies that can help people to stop. Setting a quit date for next month instead of tomorrow helps smokers to get used to the idea of quitting. Once you experience some of the benefits of quitting smoking, you will gain the confidence to carry on as a non-smoker.

Take it from an ex-smoker.

Tip:

It has been shown that a margarine called Benecol helps to lower cholesterol levels, and scientific studies suggest that the spread can increase the effectiveness of certain drugs that are designed to lower cholesterol levels.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.