Better health
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. And the benefits start sooner than you might think!
Enjoy a better quality of life
When you quit smoking, you’ll benefit from:
- breathing easier
- better energy levels
- improved oral health
- skin looking brighter
- boosted immune system
- living longer
- reduced risk of serious illness
What happens when you stop smoking?
The sooner you stop smoking, the sooner you’ll notice improvements to your health. Here’s what happens after your last cigarette...
20 minutes - 8 hours
- pulse and heart rate return to normal
- oxygen levels recover
- the carbon monoxide in your blood reduces by half
48 hours
- nicotine leaves your body
- carbon monoxide levels drop to zero
- lungs start to clear out mucus
- sense of smell and taste improves
72 hours
- breathing gets easier and shortness of breath reduces
- energy levels rise
- nicotine levels are now zero
2 - 12 Weeks
- blood pumps through your heart and muscles much better
- circulation improves, making walking and exercise easier
- immune system is boosted, making it easier to fight colds and flu
- withdrawal symptoms start to pass
3 - 9 months
- lung function increases by up to 10%
- coughs, wheezing and breathing problems become less severe
1 year
- your risk of having a heart attack will have halved
5 - 10 years
- after 5 years, your risk of having a stroke is the same as a non-smoker
- after 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker
Reduce your risk of serious illness
When it comes to smoking, the figures are stark: one in two smokers will die early. Quitting smoking will reduce your risk of:
- cancer
- stroke
- heart attack
- lung disease
- emphysema
- COPD
If you have an existing health condition that is caused by or made worse by smoking, then the best thing you can do for your health is to quit smoking.
When I was given the all clear for COPD, it was a real turning point for me and I knew I had to stop smoking.
Gail’s story
Going into hospital?
Did you know smoking changes your blood composition, meaning it takes longer for wounds to heal and increases the risk of infection? That’s why it’s highly recommended that you stop smoking before having an operation.
Reasons to quit
How to quit
There are many different ways to quit, so it's all about what works best for you. Let us show you some of the ways you can achieve a smokefree life.
How to quit
Quit Support
It can be tough knowing where to start or how to deal with setbacks. We can help you plan your quit journey, keep you on track and set you up for success.
Quit Support
Real stories
There are many ex-smokers who have are now enjoying smokefree lives. Find out how they did and get inspired.
Real stories