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Is your life going up in smoke?Smokers: how many reasons do you need to quit? Money matters, health issues, family considerations – take your pick.If your boss offered you £21 a week net pay rise you'd jump with joy. That's more than £1,700 a year for a 20 a day smoker.
Not convinced? How about lung cancer, heart disease, bronchitis and premature ageing. The British Medical Association says that smoking kills more than 120,000 people a year. Still not convinced? You might think these health problems won't happen to you. Then what about passive smoking and the impact on your family and friends, asthma for your children, and a higher risk of chest infections. Well, these are just some of the reasons why more than 40,000 people will quit the habit this year. There are 13 million smokers in the UK that's around 27 per cent of the population. Almost 20 per cent of pregnant women smoke - and one in 10 children aged 11 to 15. However, more than 70 per cent of smokers say they want to quit. Workplace smoking restrictions are in force in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and USA. Ireland will follow this year. If you're a smoker, have you ever tried to quit and not succeeded? Don't worry if you haven't managed it; you are not alone. Giving up smoking is a big step. As a smoker your body takes in tar and carbon monoxide which damages your health, and nicotine which causes the addiction.
Every smoker has their own reasons for smoking. But if you really want to stop, you can. It won't be easy, but with plenty of willpower and some of the many 'quit smoking' aids available, you can do it. Arena takes a look at the issue. Chemicals will kill youSmoking should be classed as a killer chemical at work, and tobacco smoke should be classified as a 'hazardous chemical' under European law and restricted in workplaces, including bars and restaurants, like other dangerous substances, says the TUC. There are 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, the main one being tar, a mixture of chemicals, which is deposited in the lungs. Also present is carbon monoxide, (CO) a poisonous gas which makes breathing more difficult. Up to 15 per cent of a smoker's blood may be carrying CO instead of oxygen. Because your body needs oxygen the heart works harder. CO is linked to coronary heart disease. It's costing you a packet
But quitting isn't easyNon-smokers tend to underestimate the difficulties faced by smokers trying to quit. But the addiction that is smoking has serious withdrawal symptoms which smokers have to endure in their quest to quit. Among these are anxiety, irritability, cravings, coughing, insomnia, dizziness, concentration lapses, fatigue, hunger, depression, constipation, and chest tightness. It's not only the smokers who have to suffer but their close family and friends who will have to be prepared to offer their support. The smoker's viewI know it's unhealthy, I know it's expensive, but I can't stop and if truth be known I don't want to. I enjoy smoking especially when I'm having a drink, and particularly after a meal. I'm convinced it helps me keep my weight down, and if I'm stressed out the first thing I reach for is a cigarette. Let's face it people who are fitness fanatics are known to have dropped down dead for no good reason. All this publicity about smokers die younger and the like, well I know smokers who live to a ripe old age. Your lifestyle is more than just about smoking - it can be more dangerous driving a car these days. Alcohol is even more dangerous, at least smoking doesn't make you violent or aggressive. As for banning smoking at work and in public places it's ridiculous. Pubs and restaurants would be empty if it wasn't for the smokers. As for the health costs to the NHS, well smokers are massively taxed every time they buy a packet. I'm sure this more than pays for our medical treatment. Pass me a cig would you? Members' willpower triumphsShopworker Karen, 31, from Huddersfield quit her 16-year habit after her young son was taken into hospital with breathing problems. "Ryan was 15 months when he was taken into hospital with breathing problems," said Karen. "I was asked if I smoked. I felt really bad and in someway responsible. "I was 13 when I started smoking, it was the done thing then, all your friends did it. I'd often thought about stopping but never quite managed it. I got patches from my doctor and after six months I'd stopped. It wasn't easy but my motivation was remembering that night in the hospital watching Ryan struggling for breath." Warehouse worker, Janice, 44, from Bournemouth had smoked 40 cigarettes a day for more than 25 years. "It really hit home to me when my two children told me that they were embarrassed about the fact that I smoked and that none of their friends' mums smoked. We had a long chat and they said that they would do everything they could to help me stop. "It's been three months now and I feel great. More energetic and a lot healthier. I can actually give the kids a good run for their money down at the park. It's been difficult at times. but now the kids are quite proud to tell their friends that I'm an ex-smoker." Van driver, Phil, 43, from Sunderland smoked 40 a day for 26 years until recently. "I'd never really thought about giving up until my health started to suffer. I had a constant wheeze and was struggling for breath. Eventually I went to the doctors and was told that I had bronchitis. I was off work for weeks. "I felt terrible. My wife and family were really worried and pleaded with me to stop smoking. I saw my life flash before me, or what was left of it. I just thought about my three kids growing up without a dad. It wasn't easy and I needed all the help and support I could get. But don't leave it until it's too late, the help is out there, you've just got to want to do it." Help yourself to stop smokingThere are many aids available to help you quit smoking, these include: Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as patches, gum and nasal sprays/inhalers are available from your GP and over the counter from your pharmacist. NHS stop smoking clinics operate all over the UK. They have specially trained staff who can advise you on the best way to stop smoking. There are a number of support groups throughout the UK. Alternative therapies such as hypnosis, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy may work for you. Top ten tips to quit1. Prepare yourself mentally. Convince yourself you want to quit. 2. Think of 'stopping' in terms of one day at a time. 3. Exercise more, it helps you to relax and boosts morale. walking or cycling are ideal. 4. Change your routine; try to avoid pubs, and smokey areas. 5. When an urge hits, get up and walk around or keep yourself busy. 6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other stimulants 7. Ask a fellow smoker to join you. Ask your family, friends and colleagues for support. 8. Drink plenty of fluids, this will help beat the cravings and get rid of the nicotine in your body. 9. End meals or snacks with a new routine, eat some fruit or go for a walk. 10. Put the money you would have spent on cigarettes to one side and treat yourself or save it all up for a special occasion. HelplinesNational Heath Service
Asian Tobacco Helplines - lines are open every Tuesday from 1pm - 9pm in the following languages:
Independent charity QUIT - 0800 00 22 00 or visit www.quit.org.uk or www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/home/  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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