Be a quitter!

Why you should quit
You know the basic negatives that come with being a smoker like the odour, addiction and lung diseases, but there's more.

• Research has shown that smoking speeds up mental decline, which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Say goodbye to those pearly whites because after excessive smoking, you'll be exposed to dental problems like discolouration, gum disease and bad breath.
• Your 20/20 vision won’t always be crystal clear once you’ve smoked excessively. Smoking is associated with eye problems like cataracts, which clouds your vision; and Grave’s diseases, which has complications similar to thyroid disease.
• Smoking affects fertility in men and women. Women who smoke reach menopause earlier than non-smokers.
• Your risk of getting cancer is increased.

Last smoke
Smokers often say, “Don’t tell me why to quit, tell me how.” Your best option is to just go cold turkey, and skip the side effects that often accompany drug therapy.

Let’s consider your options and some tips:

• Firstly, concentrate on all the negatives that come with smoking.
• Identify your reasons for smoking and then try to let go of those reasons.
• Try nicotine replacement therapy (gum, inhaler or patches).
• Join a support group for those who want to quit smoking. 
• Ask your doctor about prescription drugs that could help.

Stay the course
Remember, the first step to quitting anything is the commitment to do it and that can only come from you.

• Keep in mind that better health will follow after you quit.
• Stay tobacco-free. Think ahead to those times when you may be tempted to smoke and work on strategies to help you cope.
• Avoid spending excessive time with smokers.
• Think of how much money you'll be saving once you quit.