Smoking
If you smoke, giving up is probably the greatest single step you can take to improve your health. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK.
Giving up smoking is hard, and almost everyone experiences setbacks along the way. One in four adults in Wales is an ex-smoker, so it can be done!
The good news is that over 1000 people in the United Kingdom stop smoking – and stay stopped – every day!
Click on the links below to listen to individuals experiences of giving up smoking:-
And it’s worth doing. As soon as you stop smoking, the risks of serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and stroke start going down. You will also save money by stopping smoking.
If you want to give up smoking a good first step is to contact Smokers Helpline Wales on 0800 169 0 169 and Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219. Stop Smoking Wales hold details of local support services. These services offer the most effective support for people who want to give up smoking. Studies show you are four times more likely to give up smoking successfully if you do it with the help of the NHS.
Alternatively, your GP can provide help and advice about quitting.
Use this diary to record how many cigarettes you smoke throughout the week:
Download Smoking Diary
- Reduce the chances of getting lung disease and heart disease
- Reduce the chances of getting cancer
- Being able to run/walk without getting out of breath
- Save money by not buying cigarettes
- Clothes and breath will smell better
- Sense of taste will improve
- Skin will look better
- Likely to live longer
- Smoking is banned in most public places
See our Qutting Smoking article for more detailed information.
Check out these Stop Smoking posters, they are available to download:-
Useful publications for help to stop smoking
Wellbeing Podcasts
You can listen to Wellbeing podcasts on the Mental Health website by clicking on the related link, which is on the right hand side of this page.