Giving up smoking
Giving up smoking is really, really hard
... which is all the more reason not to start in the first place. But if you already smoke there's never been a better time to give up, especially if you're a young person.
Most public enclosed spaces have banned smoking. That means no smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants or Community Centres.
Workplaces don't have smoking areas any more. It is illegal to sell tobacco to young people aged under 18.
It's not just about saving money. It's also about saving your life.
Crucial: If you smoke, you need to stop. Order the NHS Quit Kit today.
Thinking about your health
Everybody knows cigarettes are very bad for your health. They damage your skin, your lungs, your throat, your mouth and your teeth. Some of the damage is obvious right away, like coughs and colds and pale skin. Some of it happens gradually over time, like the damage to your lungs and circulation.
Cigarettes make you grow old faster and die sooner. It is well know that cigarettes damage the development of babies, but emerging evidence also suggests that they also harm children and young people, causing problems with concentration and brain development.
Crucial: The best time to give up smoking is before you start, but if you smoke and want to give up, you can ask your Doctor (GP) for help.
Thinking about money
Smoking is very expensive. Smoking just five cigarettes a day, you spend over £35 a month, over £425 a year.
How many cigarettes have you smoked in your life?
1 Pack |
£5 | cinema ticket |
5 Packs |
£25.00 | DVD box set |
10 Packs |
£50.00 | i-pod shuffle |
25 Packs |
£125.00 | digital camera |
50 packs |
£250.00 | Games console |
100 packs |
£500.00 | laptop computer |
250 packs |
£1,250.00 | second-hand car |
Lots of people find it helpful to set aside money they would have spend on cigarettes something special as a reward for quitting.
Crucial: There are local advisers who can help you quit, including specialist adviser to help young people. Visit Smoke Free Oxfordshire to find out more.
It's up to you
You know the risks. You've been told many times. It's up to you to decide if you want to stop smoking, never start or carry on.
Crucial: If you're ready to stop, Quit can help: Freefone 0800 00 22 00 (9am-9pm 7 days a week).
Share your stories
We're looking for your stories. What are your tips for staying fit and healthy? How did you get along when you accessed different kinds of health service? Have you helped deliver health services, raise awareness or educate your peers?
Whatever health stories you have, we'd love to hear them, so email and let us know
Links
These websites will help you find health advice and services:
- smokefree.nhs.uk
Go smoke free with the NHS - Quit
The experts at helping you with giving up smoking - Smoke Free Oxfordshire
Local health advisers can help you quit
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