Is quitting smoking something you’ve wanted to do for a while? Well, there’s never been a better time to give up.
HSE Health Promotion and Improvement (Community Healthcare West ) outlines here why it’s now more important than ever to quit smoking and the support available:
"Covid-19 has made us focus on what really matters: our family, friends and our health. There is added motivation to quit right now to reduce the risk of getting coronavirus.
"Smoking is a known risk factor for all acute respiratory infections – including coronavirus. These infections can also be more severe in people who smoke.
"Quitting smoking helps build your natural resistance to all types of infections including coronavirus and all types of flu.
"When you stop, the natural hairs in your airways (cilia ) begin to work again. Within one to two days, the oxygen levels in your body will improve. Your blood pressure and pulse reduces, which in turn decreases the overall stress on your body.
"All these things are good defences against coronavirus. If you manage to stay off cigarettes for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to stay off them for good.
"It can take some people a few tries before they give up for good. You don't have to do it cold turkey. Stop smoking medication and nicotine replacement therapy help relieve withdrawal symptoms and increase your chances of success.
"The HSE QUIT service offers free support, help and advice whatever stage you’re at. Their Quit Advisors are on hand to help you through even the most difficult times.
"The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free support by phone, in-person, by email, SMS and live chat that will double your chances of making a successful quit attempt."
For more information free call QUIT on 1800 201 203, or visit Quit.ie for stop smoking tools, a free quit kit or to create a quit plan.
