If your new year resolution is to quit smoking, NCAS is available to help

If you are ready to Quit or thinking about Quitting smoking Call the Quitline at 011 725 3145 or send a WhatsApp message/SMS to 072 766 4812 and we will can help.

A new year presents an opportunity to turn a new page, to do things better and to live healthier. As we continue to grapple with Covid-19, it is important to keep our lungs healthy, and a sure way to do this is to quit smoking.

When a person is infected with the novel coronavirus, the deadliest symptoms often show up in the lungs, with signs like a dry cough, difficulty breathing and low blood oxygen levels.

Smoking damages the lungs, weakens the body’s immune system and makes smokers are at higher risk of serious Covid-19 complications. Quitting has immediate positive benefits to the lungs and overall health and it is an important preventative step in the fight against Covid-19.

The benefits of stopping smoking are numerous and immediate, in 20 minutes of quitting, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal rates; after two weeks lung function improves; and after a month, the lung cleaning system begins to regain function. This improves the risks for infections and increases the lung’s ability to clean itself.

By quitting we also protect our loved ones, when we smoke those around us are forced to also breathe the poisons in smoke and this can damage their lungs too. Exposure to second-hand smoke in children can cause their lungs to develop poorly, sometimes their lungs never grow to their full potential – and they get infections like pneumonia and bronchitis more easily.

Quitting is not always a walk in the park because nicotine is a highly addictive drug. So when one stops smoking they may feel uncomfortable, crave cigarettes and experience nicotine withdrawal. The good news is that these are signs of healing and that these symptoms do not last for long.

---

Here are a few tips to increase chances of success:

1. Get ready to Quit: Call the Quitline at 011 725 3145 or send a WhatsApp message/SMS to 072 766 4812 and we will help you get started.

2. Set up a quit date, this has to be less than a week away whilst you are still motivated to Quit.

3. Plan your survival kit - Prepare to deal with the problems, discomfort and cravings. Identify smoking patterns and scenarios that ignite your urge to smoke, plan on how to avoid these, and on how to substitute cigarettes. Decide if you are going to use quit smoking aids like nicotine gums or patches, speak to your pharmacist

4. Reach out for help. The Quitline support is available throughout the Quit journey. Enlisting support from friends and family is also key.

Make 2022 a tobacco-free year.

For further information please contact:

Quitline 011 720 3145

sharon@againstsmoking.org.za / quit@againstsmoking.org.za