Give it up!

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland. Each year more than 6,000 people die prematurely from diseases caused by tobacco smoke.

Risks of smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart and lung disease. Smokers are at a higher risk than nonsmokers of developing blood clots, hardening and narrowing of the heart’s arteries (coronary artery disease) and stroke. It causes bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer, can reduce fertility and smoking during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and illness in early infancy.

What’s in a cigarette?
Tobacco smoke contains around 4,000 chemicals. Many of these are known to be harmful; 60 of them are known to be cancer causing. Examples of some of these chemicals include:

• nicotine (addictive drug)
• tar (can cause cancer)
• carbon monoxide (interferes with circulation)
• ammonia (floor cleaner)
• acetone (polish remover)
• methylamine (tanning lotion)

Benefits of quitting Quitting smoking may be the most important thing a person can do in their life. The main factor in quitting is wanting to quit and being motivated to do so. The benefits can be felt almost immediately. After only 20 minutes your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal and circulation in the body improves. After 24 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body and the lungs start to clear out mucous and debris. Breathing becomes easier and energy levels increase after 72 hours. In three to nine months after quitting smoking, a person’s overall lung function is increased by 5-10% and at five years the risk of heart attack falls to that of a non-smoker.

Another major benefit of giving up smoking is of course the financial one. Such savings could go towards travel, education, new clothes or even home improvements! People who successfully give up smoking can increase their physical activity levels, improve nutrition and ultimately enhance their quality of life.

Support
OHS offers a confidential and professional service to any staff wishing to give up smoking. Individuals are given information and advice on quitting smoking and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT can double your chance of success by helping to beat cravings. NRT is not a magic cure but will help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Nicotine patches are available from OHS at a discounted rate of €10 and a 50% refund is available towards Allen Carr’s ‘Easy Way to Stop Smoking Course’.

So don’t let tobacco take control of your life. It’s up to you to take control and kick the habit out of your life forever.