Smoking

Tobacco is highly addictive and is often underestimated. In fact, some studies have even suggested that it is as addictive as cocaine or heroin.

Unfortunately, one person dies every four minutes in Britain from smoking related diseases (www.givingupsmoking.com  ) and half of teenagers who carry on smoking throughout there life will eventually be killed by this. So why do people smoke when the dangers are so widely publicised? A common offered reason for smoking goes along the lines of 'it helps me unwind'. However, in actual fact, nicotine, as a stimulant, actually speeds up your bodily functions including your heart rate.

Nobody would ever suggest stopping smoking is an easy task, but there are now 12 million ex smokers in the UK so it's definitely possible. Below are a few tips to get you started:

1. Pick a day to give up smoking and stick to it. If you write a smoking diary the week previous to this, you will then be fully aware of the times it might be easier to lapse.
2. Understand what your triggers are such as being with a particular group of friends or around deadlines and try and think of ways to avoid temptation around these times.
3. Take things a day at a time and if you do give into temptation, don't give up. Try again!

Below are some useful contacts if you need any more information on this area:

NHS Smoking Line: 0800 160 0169 or www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
Ask Frank: www.talktofrank.com  or 0800 776600
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
www.roycastle.org