Whether this is your first attempt at quitting or your third, the staff at Quirindi Pharmacy are ready to help

There are a number of benefits for you and your family when you give up smoking. The numerous health benefits and the time in which they take place are shown in the table below, however you are also going to save money and improve your overall lifestyle.

Time since quitting	Beneficial health changes that take place
Within 20 minutes	Your body begins a series of changes that continue for years. Your heart rate reduces.
12 hours	The carbon monoxide level in your blood reduces dramatically
2-12 weeks	Your heart attack risk begins to reduce. Circulation improves. Exercise is easier. Lung function improves.
1-9 months	Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 year	Your risk of coronary heart disease is halved compared to a continuing smoker.
5 years	Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and oesophagus decreases and your risk of stroke is dramatically reduced.
10 years	Your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancers of the bladder, kidney and pancreas also decreases.
15 years	Your risk of coronary heart disease and risk of death fall to about the same as someone who has never smoked.

*Table taken from NSW Government Health Website

Whilst many people understand the benefits of quitting smoking, it is a hard task to undertake with will power alone.  The reason cigarettes are so addictive is the nicotine that is found in them. Nicotine alone isn’t known to cause cancer. However the many other harmful ingredients, including tar, in cigarettes do increase your chances of developing cancer.

 

Nicotine replacement therapy involves the use of products such as gum, lozenges and patches to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms that occur after the first few weeks of giving up smoking (also the hardest!). These items all contain nicotine but work in slightly different ways.

1. Patches are applied once a day usually to the upper arm. From here they slowly and continuously release small amounts of nicotine into your system over a 24 or 16 hour period. There are different strengths available designed to help you cut down and stop.

2. Lozenges and Gum allow you to control your cravings more specifically. Simply dissolve a lozenge or chew a piece of gum to release the nicotine into your saliva and then your blood stream quickly.

3. Inhalators like the one released by Nicorette, help to keep your hands busy, but still release sufficient nicotine into your system when you inhale on the mouthpiece.

4. Quickmists and Sprays have the advantage of working like a lozenge and gum, but much quicker as you do not have to dissolve a lozenge or chew something first.

This is a quick guide only, each of the above mention products come with different directions and may not be suitable for some persons. You should always seek advice from a healthcare professional and be sure you understand the instructions before using. Other alternatives are available but you will need to see your doctor for these.

We keep selected products from leading ranges in nicotine replacement therapy here at Quirindi Pharmacy including Nicabate, Nicorette, Quitx and Chemist’s Own.