Giving Up Smoking

Quit smoking and start to feel the benefits

Giving Up Smoking

We’re all aware of the health risks associated with smoking and more and more of us are giving up. Smoking cigarettes, even a few a day can affect your heart health. Stopping smoking is one of the most important decisions you can ever make for your heart, even if you’ve smoked for years. The minute you do stop you’ll start to see the benefits. You’ll get your breath back, your circulation will start to improve and in the long term it will help to keep your heart healthy.

Smoking statistics1

In 2004-2005 there were around 3.5 million adult smokers in Australia
There has been a gradual decline in smoking in the Australia in the last 20 years
Women smoke at a lower rate than men.

Giving up smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your heart healthy. If you’ve already given up you’ll be well aware of the improvements to your health and overall feeling of wellbeing.

Giving up
When you stop smoking you’ll probably initially feel irritable, restless and experience some shakiness. This is a temporary phase and should only last a few weeks at the very most - these feelings are a sign of recovery!
Nicotine is an addictive substance and your body can start to crave it. If you’re having trouble giving ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.

You’ll feel much better for it!
You probably know about the long-term benefits of stopping smoking, but did you there are many benefits that can typically kick in as soon as you give up?

Within hours:

Almost all of the nicotine is out of your system
Your circulation will improve, giving you more oxygen - your hands and feet may feel warmer.

Within days:

You’ll enjoy your food more as your sense of taste and smell improve
You’ll no longer have the stale smell of cigarettes that clings to your clothes and hair
Your appetite will begin to increase, so try to keep healthy snacks to hand such as fruit and unsalted nuts.

Within months:

Your blood circulation should continue to improve, making activity easier
You'll see the financial benefits - see how much money you've saved from not smoking!
Your immune system should start to recover, and you’re likely to cough less
Your blood pressure should improve

Longer term:

Your risk of heart problems compared to a continuing smoker is halved

Well done, you’ve made the decision to stop smoking – that’s the first step. There are plenty of things that can increase your chances of staying smoke free:

Make a date to quit smoking and stick to it
Keep busy to help you take your mind off cigarettes
Ask for support from your family and friends
Change your routine - try to avoid situations that make you more likely to smoke, like the shop where you usually buy cigarettes
Treat yourself - if you can, use the money you’re saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special
Think positively and take one day at a time - each day without a cigarette is good for your heart and your health.

If you need further support and advice you can contact the QUIT line on 131848

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