Are you one of the 6.9 million adults in England who smokes?
Smoking is the leading cause of premature deaths, accountable for nearly 75,000 preventable deaths each year. But the good news is, it’s never too late to quit.
Giving up cigarettes is one of the best things you’ll do for your health. You’ll reduce your risk of disease (including lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, etc), live longer, feel healthier, and save money. You’ll improve your sense of smell and taste, too.
Admittedly, it won’t be easy and some smokers may find it more difficult to overcome their addiction and tobacco cravings than others. That’s where Stoptober can help, though.
What is Stoptober?
Stoptober is a campaign that Public Health England has run for 28 days throughout October, ever since 2012. The idea behind it is to encourage smokers to stop, by pledging not to pick up a cigarette during the 28 days – starting on October 1st.
Research has shown that if you quit smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. With the campaign taking place throughout October, it makes it more manageable for you to count down the days.
Stoptober is widely recognised as the 28-day stop smoking challenge, thanks to social media. Over the years, many celebs have got involved – ditching their favourite blend of tobacco cigarettes and enjoying the benefits of a smoke-free life. So, why don’t you give it a try?
What are the benefits of taking part?
There are lots of reasons why you should sign up for Stoptober – the main one being that it can dramatically improve your health and life expectancy.
Smoking tobacco is harmful to your health and the health of your loved ones. Even if your friends and family don’t smoke personally, they will be breathing in the fumes you produce every time you light up a cigarette.
Deciding to stop smoking this October (and hopefully beyond) will help you to breathe more easily, and save those around you from having to inhale second-hand smoke.
Cigarettes don’t come cheap, and many smokers sacrifice luxuries, such as holidays, cars, and home improvements to fund their expensive habits. But the reality is, the average smoker can save £1,875.60 a year by quitting smoking. There really is no better time to quit than now.
5 ways to quit smoking this Stoptober
· Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app
If you’re serious about quitting smoking this Stoptober but need a little motivation to help you, download the NHS Quit Smoking app from the App Store or Google Play.
This allows you to monitor and track your daily progress, calculate how much money you’re saving by not buying cigarettes, and receive the support you need to successfully quit – for free.
· Join Stoptober Facebook communities
Curbing cigarette cravings isn’t easy – especially if you’ve smoked virtually all of your life. However, Stoptober offers a variety of useful (and free!) tools to help you stay on track and enjoy the benefits.
Most of us spend hours flicking through social media and talking to our mates online. Perhaps you’d find it helpful to be able to speak to like-minded people when you feel the urge to take a drag on a cigarette? Stoptober’s online communities and Messenger groups allow you to do just that.
· Consider face-to-face support
If you’ve tried to quit smoking in the past but not succeeded, it’s easy to feel downhearted. But there are things you can do to help you be more successful. For instance, making a list of the reasons why you want to quit (e.g. to better your health, for your family, to save money, etc.) will give you something to focus on.
Seeking advice and support from medical professionals and your local Stop Smoking Service is also a great way to keep yourself busy and keep cravings at bay. Attending one-to-one appointments will help you to determine your goals and how to achieve them.
· Try nicotine replacement therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as gums, patches, sprays, and lozenges, are available on prescription from your GP or over the counter at your local pharmacy. These products slowly release nicotine (the reason you’re hooked to smoking) into your bloodstream.
Most people combine two types of NRT – typically nicotine patches and nicotine gum or a nasal spray for cravings – before gradually reducing the dosage until they stop.
NRT isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth assessing the different options available before you rule it out.
· Use e-cigarettes
Vaping is believed to be 95% safer than smoking and poses fewer risks to human health. With that said, using e-cigarettes and e-liquids from a reputable retailer – like us at Cloudstix – can help you to combat your cigarette cravings and progressively reduce your nicotine intake.
Ideal for ex-smokers, we supply e-cig starter kits that come with everything you need to get started on your vaping journey.
We provide an assortment of nicotine salts, high VG (vegetable glycerine) e-juices, and shortfills from renowned brands such as Twelve Monkeys, IVG, and Vampire Vapes – to name just a few. On top of this, we have various flavours to choose from that will invigorate your senses and help you kick your habit this Stoptober.
For more tips on quitting smoking once and for all, or for information about the products we stock here at Cloudstix, feel free to get in touch. Call us on 0345 257 6544.
