In good hands with the Montefiore Hospital

Wednesday 13 March is National No Smoking day & The Montefiore Hospital is here to help you kick the habit

Smoking is a major cause of illnesses such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease; it dramatically reduces life expectancy and harms nearly every organ in the body. Fortunately the deaths and diseases caused by smoking are preventable and though it can be difficult to overcome addiction there is plenty of help available. National No Smoking day on 13 March aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and to encourage more people to kick the habit.

Most of us will know at least one person who has tried to give up smoking. We probably also know somebody who has tried and failed. ‘One last’ cigarette is so easily followed by another, as the pressures of life combined with the symptoms of withdrawal become too much and lead us to another final fix.

Though trying and failing to quit smoking may be discouraging, it is not a reason to abandon giving up. In fact, most people who have successfully kicked the habit did not do so on their first attempt. On average it takes three to four tries to become nicotine free.

It seems what really counts is perseverance. If you only managed to give up for a day then congratulate yourself on this as 24 hours is the peak of withdrawal-symptoms which include nausea, headaches, increased appetite and irritability. Learn from each attempt. Identify the things you found difficult and try to prepare for these next time round. Why not also try writing a list of the reasons you want to quit, and carry it around with you.

“Planning and preparation could be the difference between succeeding and failing”

Planning and preparation could be the difference between succeeding and failing. Try to avoid situations where cravings are likely to be triggered. This is the real world and there are certain things like stressful work situations which cannot be avoided, but when given the choice it might be wise to neglect your social life and avoid standing outside with smoker friends at the pub. The symptoms of withdrawal gradually ease over two weeks so luckily this preventative measure need only last for a short time.

If the advice so far leaves you reaching for your cigarettes with a shaky hand, you might need a little extra help. Giving your body just a small bit of nicotine takes the edge off cravings. The following options are available for those who want help quitting:

Nicotine Patches – these give you a continuous supply of nicotine throughout the day. They last either 16 or 24 hours. Although you might experience some urge for a cigarette, cravings will be greatly reduced.

Nicotine Inhaler – if the act of smoking is what you miss then a Nicotine Inhaler might be the best option for you. It is long and thin like a cigarette and will give you something to hold in your hands.

Nicotine Gum – is a method of dealing with cravings as they happen and can help prevent the weight gain associated with giving up.

Nicotine Nasal Spray – this works for those who are heavily addicted. Sprayed in a light mist up each nostril, it mimics cigarettes more closely than alternatives by giving a relatively fast effect.

Quitting smoking really is possible. For extra help and support visit your local doctor. He or she will talk you through various options and advise you appropriately.

The Montefiore is a full service hospital that offers treatments for most medical conditions and cosmetic procedures.

For further information, please visit www.theMontefiorehospital.co.uk or call 01273 828120