Giving up Smoking

22% of all male deaths and 11% of all female deaths are due to smoking.

Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of developing many smoking related illnesses. And its never too late, within 10-15 years of giving up, an ex-smokers' risk of developing lung cancer is only slightly greater than someone who has never smoked.

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, the vast majority of which are present either naturally in the tobacco and transfer into the smoke, or are formed when the tobacco is burnt.

The costs of smoking are high and we're not just talking money. Consider some of the less obvious costs below and the price a smoker may have to pay.

Physical

• Wheezing, shortness of breath
• Lack of energy, poor concentration
• Dull skin, nicotine-stained fingers. Premature wrinkling
• Reduced fertility, risky pregnancy, baby at risk
• Damaged taste buds, stained teeth
• Lung cancer, emphysema, stroke, heart attack ... the list goes on
• Damaged circulation, gangrene, amputation

Social

• Polluting the air with carcinogens
• Children at higher risk of asthma, cot-death, bronchitis and glue ear
• Smoke gets in your eyes
• Dusty, stuffy home. Nicotine stains your walls as well as your fingers.
• Spoilt clothes and furniture
• Increased risk of fire in the home

Financial

At today's rates, a 20-a-day smoker will spend £31,025 over the next 20 years. Holidays you could have enjoyed; savings you could have built up; a home, car or important possessions you could have owned; toys and experiences you could have brought for your children.  The Giving up Smoking website (external link) has a  smoking calculator (external link) that helps you work out just how much smoking has cost you over the years.

Remember you're not alone

 Giving up smoking isn't easy, but there's plenty of support available.

 You can find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service by:

• Using the Giving Up Smoking search facility  (external link)
• Calling 0800 169 0 169
• Texting GIVE UP with your full postcode to 88088.

For more information

Action on Smoking and Health - ASH works to secure public, media, parliamentary, local and national Government support for a comprehensive programme to tackle the epidemic of tobacco-related disease. http://www.ash.org.uk/ (external link)

No Smoking Day - The official website for No Smoking Day. http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/ (external link)

Quit - UK Charity with lots of useful advice on giving up and staying stopped. Plus information on products and methods that might help you quit. http://www.quit.org.uk/  (external link)

Smoke Free North West - offers details of smoke free bars and restaurants all around the North West of England. http://www.smokefreenorthwest.co.uk/ (external link)