Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us more aware of our health and how we look after ourselves.

COVID is a respiratory infection that affects our lungs and airways. It has been proven that if you smoke, you have an increased risk of contracting any respiratory infections and having more severe symptoms once infected. There are many benefits to stopping smoking, many of them start immediately after you have you last cigarette.

The Benefits of Stopping Smoking

Pretty much as soon as you stop smoking you will notice changes in your body.

• After 20 minutes: check your pulse rate it will be starting to return to normal.
• After 8 hours: the harmful carbon monoxide levels in your blood would have reduced by half, your oxygen levels are recovering.
• After 48 hours: your sense of taste and smell will be improving because your lungs are clearing out mucus. All carbon monoxide has been flushed out of your system.
• After 72 hours: your energy will be increasing. You may notice that breathing feels easier, this is because your bronchial tubes have started to relax.
• After 2 – 12 weeks: your circulation will have improved meaning blood can be pumped to your heart and muscles much easier.
• After 3 – 9 months: your lung function will increase by up to 10% meaning any wheezing or breathing problems improve.
• After 1 year: compared to a smoker, your risk of having a heart attack halved.
• After 10 years: compared to a smoker, your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved.

How to Quit Smoking

Many people will try to stop smoking on willpower alone. This is great however; it is much easier to stop smoking when you approach it will a defined support plan.

Stop Smoking Treatments

There are several treatments available from shops, pharmacies and GP surgeries that can help you beat your smoking addiction whilst also reducing withdrawal symptoms. The best treatment for you may be different to someone else’. It depends on personal preference, your age and whether you have any medical conditions. Before you decide which treatment to try, it would be best to speak to your GP or a pharmacist for advice.

To find out about the specific smoking treatments and where you can get them from, click here.

Online Support

There are thousands of people who are trying to stop smoking. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Join others going through the same thing as you in a supportive and friendly environment. To join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook click here.

As well as group support from strangers you may find that you need personal daily support. You can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice, tips and support from the NHS. To have support delivered straight to your inbox click here.

NHS Quit Smoking App

The NHS Quit Smoking app can keep you on track when trying to quit smoking. The app allows you to;

• Track progress
• See how much money you are saving
• Get daily support

It is proven that if you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good! To download the app from the Apple App Store click here or from the Google Play Store click here.

We wish all those who are looking to quit smoking good luck! Our last piece of advice is to throw all your cigarettes away before you start and remember, there is never ‘just 1 cigarette’. You can do it!

To find out more information about smoking please click here.