Smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health, and your body begins to recover quickly. Most people who quit make several attempts first, each try is progress.
Why it matters
- Your circulation and lungs start to improve within weeks of quitting.
- Quitting lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, and lung problems.
- Support and stop-smoking aids can more than double your chance of success.
Practical steps
Set a quit date
Choose a day, tell people you trust, and plan for situations that tempt you.
Use support
Stop-smoking services and approved aids make quitting more likely to stick.
Keep going
If you slip, treat it as a learning step rather than a failure and try again.
When to seek medical advice
Contact a health professional if you notice any of the following. In a medical emergency, contact your local emergency service immediately.
- A persistent cough or a change in a long-standing cough.
- Coughing up blood or ongoing chest pain.
- Increasing breathlessness during everyday activities.
Related topics
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This information is educational and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Always speak to a qualified professional about your own health.