Common Ailments

STOP SMOKING

Smoking is estimated to cause the death of over 120,000 people every year in the UK. It is the cause of 1 in 5 of all male deaths and 1 in 10 of all female deaths.

It has been linked to countless conditions, including numerous, often terminal illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease and many other serious health problems such as depression, infertility, impotence and insomnia. It is also observed now that a person's risk of early death (death between the ages of 35-65) is dramatically increased by being a smoker.

The ill-effects of smoking are not surprising when you consider that cigarette smoke contains over four thousand chemical constituents.

Over 40 of these have now been demonstrated to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Some examples of these chemicals include cadmium (a highly toxic metal), acetone (elsewhere used as a nail-polish remover), lead, hydrogen cyanide and of course nicotine, the key addictive ingredient in cigarettes. Hardly substances you would view as part of a healthy lifestyle!

QUITTING SMOKING

The majority of smokers when asked will say that they do want to quit and that they are aware that smoking is extremely damaging to their health. The good news for smokers is that there is now more support than ever before for people looking to kick the habit, both in the form of information and products designed to reduce cravings and stave off withdrawal symptoms. One key development has been the introduction of nicotine-replacement therapies.

NRT

Nicotine-replacement therapies are now available in the form of nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, microtabs and nasal sprays.

The general principal of all of these therapies is to supply a quitting smoker with a level of nicotine in their blood while they are quitting, helping reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms whilst a smoker breaks the psychological habit of smoking. NRT therapy begins with a smoker calculating their dependence upon nicotine. This is calculated by answering simple questions about the number of cigarettes you smoke per day and of your smoking habits such as whether you smoke first thing upon waking for example. Once you have identified your 'level of nicotine addiction', you can choose whether or not to use gum, patches, an inhalator etc. Some quitters try a variety of products before settling upon their preferred option.

In smokers who are determined to quit, NRT has been shown to double the quitting success rate. You can talk to your Pharmacist about NRT.

OTHER SUPPORT

There are now also a number of help-lines and support groups of people looking to quit, many of them running quitting communities functioning either in person or online through web sites.

The NHS offers both a helpline on 0800 169 0169 as well as smoking cessation facilities where you can get face-to-face support. Many pharmacists also run comprehensive smoking cessation programs and will be able to help people looking to quit.

If you have decided to quit we'd also like to offer you these helpful tips:-

• On the day you pick to quit, start that morning without a cigarette
• Avoid activities you used to engage in that were linked to smoking
• Take a walk or read a book instead of taking a cigarette break
• Throw away your lighter(s), matches and cigarettes
• Go to places that don't allow smoking
• When the urge to smoke strikes, eat a healthy snack
• Drink a lot of fluids and reduce your intake of alcohol or caffeine as these can increase your desire to smoke
• Exercising will help you relax
• Spend time with non smokers
• Seek support for quitting
• Tell others about your milestones with pride

Don't be too hard on yourself if you relapse. Most people try quitting several times before successfully kicking the habit.

For more advice and help with stopping smoking consult your Numark Pharmacist.