Health Giving up smoking


smoke-free


Trying to quit? We have some top tips to keep you motivated, including what your local Pharmacist can do to help you succeed


Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the UK. However, the good news is fewer people are smoking today. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, 15.8 percent of people in the UK are smokers, which is four percent fewer than in 2010. The number of smokers might be even lower if nicotine – a


substance found in tobacco smoke – wasn’t so addictive. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), nicotine


triggers the release of a feel-good chemical in the brain called dopamine. But when you stop smoking or reduce the amount you smoke you may experience cigarette cravings, irritability, anxiety, restlessness and increased appetite. If you’ve decided to quit smoking this year there are lots of things


you can do to give yourself a better chance of success, including the following:


Remove temptation Set a date for quitting and throw away all your cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, ashtrays and anything else you associate with smoking before the day arrives.


Make a list Think about why you’re giving up. Perhaps you or your partner is expecting a baby, or you’re doing it for health reasons, or you want to set a good example to your children. Perhaps you want to save money for a holiday. Whatever your reasons, write them down and keep your list where you’ll see it every day.


Keep your mind active Cravings can be tough, but try not to give in to them by thinking about them all the time. Try to think of something else – or do something to take your mind off how you’re feeling, such as taking the dog out for a walk, going for a bike ride or cleaning the fridge.


26 All About You


Remember the positives Keep reminding yourself of all the benefits of quitting smoking, including better health and a longer life (not just for you but your family too), whiter teeth, more energy, more enjoyment of food and even better sex and improved fertility. If it helps, write these things down too and keep the list close by.


How your Pharmacist can help The good news is there’s help at your local LloydsPharmacy if you’re giving up smoking, says Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat. “Pharmacists are highly


trained professionals and understand the attitudes associated with stopping smoking,” she explains. “You can get advice on stopping smoking from any LloydsPharmacy, and can buy nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, including gums, patches, inhalators, lozenges and more. “Some LloydsPharmacies also run a


structured smoking cessation programme. As part of the service you may be given one of three types of stop smoking medication: varenicline, bupropion or one or more NRT products. Your Pharmacist will help you choose the most suitable treatment.” For more details, visit your local


LloydsPharmacy (find your nearest store by using the Store Locator at LloydsPharmacy.com).


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