Will you stop smoking this Stoptober?

Stoptober is the annual campaign by Public Health England to try encourage smokers to stop smoking by giving up for the month of October.

Quitting smoking has a threefold benefit – you’ll feel healthier, your bank balance will thank you for the cash boost and you’ll also be protecting your nearest and dearest from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. With 1 in 2 long term smokers dying from a smoking-related disease, it’s the primary cause of 90% of lung cancer, which is the UK’s biggest cancer killer. It’s not just cancer either – smoking leads to serious lung conditions such as pneumonia and emphysema.

As a respiratory physio I support patients in their efforts to keep their lungs healthy. Being physically active helps maintain lung health, and if you’re a smoker, it really is never too late to give up.

There are some facts about Stoptober that I love:

The most important thing to remember is that as soon as you stop smoking your body

• After just 20 minutes smoke free, your raised heart rate reduces and your pulse returns to normal.
• After 48 hours the nicotine has left your system and at 72 hours you’ll find breathing is easier as the airways start to relax.
• Within 3-9 months your lung capacity could improve by as much as 10%, and after just a year your risk of lung disease will greatly decrease.
• The best statistic is that after 15 years your risk of having a heart attack is the same as that of someone who has never smoked. (all figures from the NHS)