March 2008 - Posts
I'm just about to hit the build-up to the busiest part of my week - so there will be no time to let cravings even occur.
After all my fretting yesterday, I realised at bedtime I hadn't used the inhalator once. So, prayers must have been said in St Paul's!
I'm feeling positive again.
I'M sat here, in my Honiton office, steadily munching my way through a box of caramel and pecan cup cakes.
Yesterday was the closest I've come to reverting to smoking.
A new day, renewed willpower.
Earlier today I visited St Paul's Church, to pray for extra strength. I couldn't stay too long as funeral director Penny Shoobridge was preparing for a service. On my way out, I asked one of the church volunteers to 'put a word in' for me. She said she would.
I hope my concentration levels improve soon.
I CAME so close to giving in yesterday. I even went out and bought 10 Red Band, but managed not to open the packet.
I don't want to go back to being a slave to cigarettes. It's quite shocking to think cravings can be so strong after a relatively calm period.
What I'm worrying about now is the moment when I'm taken off the strongest nicotine replacement patch and put on a lower-strength one. There's bound to be a degree of further withrawal. I'm half tempted to go cold turkey and be done with it.
If I was wealthy, I'd check myself into a clinic and ask to be 'knocked out' for three days. If it can work for crack addicts in the States, surely it would work for a nicotine addict in the UK?
I remain determined to stay smoke-free. I might pop into St Paul's later on today and appeal for support from the highest power!
Why is it that I went for almost a week without too much trouble and now, 14 days into my SmokeStop programme, I'm desperate for a cigarette?
I know I can't have one, but the craving is back. I'm entering the dreaded Danger Zone. I have never overcome this stage before. For the sake of my health, and bank balance, I've got to - this time.
I'm telling myself to stick with it. It's that tiny, tiny part of me, the bit that's screaming "One puff won't do any harm", that could be my downfall.
It's going to be tough over the next day or two.
I'm on deadline in a massive open-plan office with just two people on duty - trainee reporter Angela Brennan and I!
We've been working flat-out to ensure this week's paper is up to scratch, despite losing a day last Friday.
Although I have been very busy, once or twice I caught myself craving for a smoke.
This week is going to be a real test. The only other time I seriously tried to kick cigarettes was about five years ago. I lasted just under three weeks. I think I was called out to cover a murder and lit up to celebrate. (A murder was always good for newspaper sales!)
This time, I'm determined to quit for good - or I'll be the one in the morgue!
I've just got to keep busy - and plan another shopping spree for next month's pay day.
Yesterday, Day 11, I spent loads of money. My daughter and I splashed out on more clothes and jewellery. So, the bad news is... I'm skint. The good news is... there's no way I can afford to revert to smoking!
I feel very positive about remaining a non-smoker. I like NOT smoking.
I've noticed that my skin has gone dry on my face. Still no cough or mouth ulcers, but I know they are 'due'.
Years ago, I used to sit on the press bench in court with Ernie Dawes - journalist and former chairman of the Wonford Bench. We used to try and guess sentences that would be handed down. Ernie was always closer to the mark than I was. When it came to 'regulars', he used to say: "They've got weak characters."
In terms of my nicotine addition, I think it shows I've got a weakness in my character. I don't like the thought of that. So, I'm determined to remain strong.
During brief moments of boredom, I've taken to jigging around my kitchen to music. (I'm secretly quite worried about a possible weight gain.) I have found a song I can apply to cigarettes. It's by Freemasons and it's called Uninvited. Just imagine the love of your life has been a cigarette and the 'love' hasn't been reciprocated.
Happy jigging!
I've spent quite a lot of money today, clothes shopping. I've invested in a trench coat-style jacket, which I'm fairly certain looks very reporter-like. I bought a new pair of boots, some skinny leg black jeans and various tops.
I've also had my hair done. My hair is the longest it's been in my life and I straighten it with GHDs every morning, so I thought it was about time I had streaks put in it. Everybody else with the same hairstyle has! The streaks are subtle because, in my old age, I don't want to be too shocking.
My friend, Sarah, from the bottom of the hill came round and I cooked us tea. We then walked to the shop and bought some wine. I've used my inhalator quite a lot, as I'm worried alcohol could lead to a cigarette. I've stuck to my guns.
I've just put some downlights under my kitchen cupboards, which look quite trendy.
All the money I've spent today is what I would have spent on cigarettes and other unnecessary 'treat's, such as cakes and booze, over the past week.
I'm really chuffed.
I like this No Smoking business.
Join me and become an ex-smoker with the Herald's SmokeStop camapign. Call the freephone number on the main blog page for help in getting started.
Busy! Busy! No time to think about cigarettes.
I received a very encouraging email from a Mr Brown, who told me how he's overcome his nicotine addiction - using sheer willpower. He gave me some useful tips for the future. Thank you, Mr Brown.
Heidi is on her second smoke-free day. Well done!
Never again do I want to be a smoker. I have just got to stay determined. I know it won't be easy, but what is these days?
I'm already thinking ahead to the weekend. What can I do to keep myself busy? I may come into work, if the weather is poor. Otehrwise, my daughter and I plan to go to a theme park.
Also, I've lined up a list of cleaning jobs around the home.
Councillor Richard Gaughan and Councillor Jill McNally kept their promises and today gave me £20 - for not lighting up for a whole week. Thank you.
The cash has been donated to the British Heart Foundation, which was heavily involved in supporting last week's National No Smoking Day.
I personally handed the cash to the charity's Honiton shop manager a few minutes ago - on the day the shop re-opened after a refit. As a taxpayer, I was able to increase the donation by filling out a simple Gift Aid form.
I am not alone as a new non-smoker. Heidi Radford, manager of Honiton Tourist Information Centre, has joined me. She gave up smoking today and is wearing a patch. I wish her every success. We have already had a good chat about the challenges facing us.
I'm confident any cravings I get today will be few and far between, and short-lived. I've got an exceptionally busy day lined up - plus Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual meeting in the evening.
I'm feeling a lot more confident about remaining smoke-free. I feel happy and relaxed.
My SmokeStop nurse was very pleased with my progress when I saw her yesterday. I don't have to go back to my doctor's for two weeks.
Reflecting on my first week as an ex-smoker, I think the first four days were pretty hellish. I wouldn't want to go through them again! For that reason, I am determined to stay off cigarettes.
I'm still waiting to develop a cough and mouth ulcers. Bring them on! I want to get all the unpleasantness over with! My breathing hasn't improved, but that could take months.
Constipation is going to be with me for a while, the nurse warned. I've got to drink prune juice. Apparently, cigarettes speed up the metabolism.
I haven't used the inhalator, so far, today.
THE paper has gone to bed and I've just finished updating the company website. I haven't used the inhalator once, so far, today.
I'll be leaving the office shortly and returning to Dorset - for my 4pm SmokeStop appointment at the doctor's.
Later, I'm attending a planning committee meeting and showing my new Axe Valley reporter, Angela Brennan, around the patch.
Cravings for cigarettes last just seconds. I'm thinking about cigarettes less and less - unlike the first three days of my efforts, when I could have lit up for the slightest reason. I'm surprised I didn't reach for one when I discovered my first grey hair last Friday. I just yanked it from my head by the root - gone!
All I've got to do now is stay positive and remain determined.
A good day. Concentration has improved since last Friday. Output possibly even slightly better than usual.
Just off to the annual town meeting in Honiton.
Used inhalator infrequently - mainly in the afternoon.
I'm still smoke-free!
I enjoyed the bingo in Charmouth on Friday evening, but I forgot the video camera and had to do a picture story instead. On Saturday, I went shopping in Bridport in the morning and had a major clean out in my kitchen during the afternoon. The binmen aren't going to thank me!
With the money I've already saved, I bought my daughter a new coat and a pair of 'skinny' jeans - all the rage, apparently.
Yesterday (Sunday), I attended Sport Relief events in Honiton.
In the afternoon, I settled down to watch the telly with a can of lager - and couldn't stand the taste of it! It's not the same without a ***! I settled for a coffee instead and enjoyed a lazy few hours.
Yesterday was the first day I didn't think about cigarettes non-stop. I hardly used the inhalator.
However, I'll be asking the nurse for some laxative when she calls me later today!
Let me know how you are getting on.
I'm feeling a bit more upbeat. I've had a good day, work-wise. My output was not far off normal. I'll be leaving the office shortly and then popping home before going to a bingo.
I've decided to make a video of the event during the break, so I'm not tempted to go outside and light up. I've lined up some people to speak to, who are going to talk to the camera about how well the villaged bingo is supported.
I feel a bit tearful. I really enjoyed my work this morning, and did not suffer any real cravings.
I was looking forward to my SmokeStop nurse giving me a call, so we could chat through my first three days without cigarettes.
Obviously, I work in an open plan office and telephone calls end up being routed all over the place. I thought I'd told people to fetch me from the canteen, if she called while I was eating my lunch.
At 1.24pm I returned to my desk to find a note saying she'd called at 1.22pm and would call back - on Monday!
I immediately telephoned her, but she had apparently left the surgery. I wanted to cry.
In fact, I feel likre a c igarette!
I arrived at work shortly before 8.45am and I've only just finished checking all my emails! I certainly haven't had time to think about cigarettes.
The 'dummy' for next week's paper will be arriving on my desk any minute and I'm ready to roll!
My inhalator is at my side. Let's hope I don't have to suck on it too much... I work in an open-plan office, with about 30 other people.
I experienced a craving for a cigarette when I woke up this morning, but it quickly passed. I used the inhalator before I drove to work.
For breakfast, I ate a bowl of cornflakes (semi-skimmed milk). For lunch, I've got roast chicken, stuffing and veg (in office fridge and ready to go in the microwave).
One of my colleagues at our Exeter office is in her sixth week of going smoke-free. It was quite encouraging to chat with her about our experiences this morning.
Dummy's arrived!
AS well as keeping busy with work, I've made a point of walking to and from jobs. In total, I've walked about two miles.
I used the inhalator more in the afternoon than the morning.
For my evening meal, I prepared steamed Scottish salmon steak (£1.53 and freshly cut at Morrisons, Bridport), steamed broccoli, mushrooms, onions and carrots. I prepared a jacket potato with beans and cheese for my daughter - because she didn't fancy fish for a second night. I washed up straight after we'd eaten.
Before the urge to smoke arose, I left my house and walked to the bottom of the hill to help a friend strip wallpaper. I stayed there for about an hour-and-a-half, arriving home at around 8.15pm. I was very out of breath walking back up the hill and had to stop about four times.
I've washed my hair, trimmed my fringe and am just typing this before settling down to watch Ashes to Ashes.
It isn't a breeze, giving up smoking. I'm finding it quite a struggle. But I'm also learning things - like how cheap fresh fish is. Also, it's not just cigarettes I'm saving money on. When I bought my fags, I nearly always bought other unnecessary things at the same time. I reckon £10-a-day on rubbish was my 'smoking' outlay.
I'm very worried about tomorrow. It's one of the busiest days of the week for me and I'm desk-bound at Exeter Airport. I'll start to lay out the pages for next week's paper. Usually, I sub anything up to 12 pages on a Friday. I bet it will be less tomorrow, through lack of concentration.
My SmokeStop nurse is going to call me at work, to check on my progress. I hope I'm still smoke-free.
It's time to replace my patch.
I HAVE enjoyed a very busy morning, with two trips out of the office as well as visits from four contacts. Answering telephone calls has also kept me occupied.
Because I’ve been busy, cigarettes have not been on my mind too much.
I did not feel the urge to use my inhalator in public.
A number of people stopped me in the street and asked how I’m getting on with my quit programme.
I have used the inhalator about three times in the office.
I’ve got rather a lot to type up, then I’m off out again.
My concentration levels, however, are still not good.
I DIDN’T want to get out of bed this morning, which is very unlike me. It seemed as though I had nothing to get up for – except work.
I usually get up between 5am and 6.30pm, so a 7.20am start was quite shocking.
I slept well, but had some strange dreams. They weren’t nightmares, but I have been warned that nightmares are a possibility.
The patch I put on last night is still working well. I haven’t used the inhalator today – yet!
I’m wondering if these 24-hour patches actually deliver the same level of nicotine throughout a day and night period. The patch I first put on, on Tuesday evening, seemed to start running out of steam at around mid-day yesterday. I was fairly desperate for a cigarette late in the afternoon and, looking back, I think I did quite well not to light up.
Patch manufacturers advise people to start nicotine replacement therapy in the morning. Is this because users are asleep when their benefits start to weaken?
I’d love to hear from other people who have recently given up smoking.
IT'S going to be a long, hard - and probably sleepless - night. The stormy weather has just about fizzled out, so if I don't get much shut-eye it will definitely be down to stopping smoking.
Reflecting on my first day as a non-smoker, I feel it has been as hard as I anticipated. Not pleasant and, in parts, quite hellish.
The worst moment, one I had not predicted, was when I came through my front door at the end of the day, put my handbag down and thought 'What next?'
I felt a sense of panic, a feeling of deep loss. Normally, I would light a cigarette immediately. I paced about for five or so minutes, before remembering I had shopping to unpack and a steamer to switch on.
When I'd finished my evening meal, completed my chores and sat down, I was grief-stricken. I felt bored.
My inner voice was almost audible as it screamed (in a strong Westcountry accent) 'What to do? What to do?'
Well, what WAS there to do? Cry?
In the end I went in the bath, washed my hair, sorted through some washing, played with the cat, listened to some music - and all in the hour before Holby City started!
I never knew time could go so slow.
I've just realised, my inhalator probably ran out of nicotine at around mid-day and I am allowed to replace the cartridge. Silly me!
Tonight was poorly planned on my part. I should have ensured I had something constructive lined up to keep myself occupied - and my mind off cigarettes. Initially, I thought it was the annual meeting of Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which I will be covering. It's next week!
At least I'm wallpaper stripping tomorrow night. On Friday night, my daughter and I are going to a bingo in Charmouth.
I'm still smoke-free. That's the main thing.
WHAT can I do next to keep myself busy?
I've steamed cod steaks and vegetables for tea. Lovely, but I did 'alf fancy a cigarette after eating it! I've washed and dried up, scrubbed the kitchen floor and put my tea towels in the washing machine.
I'm a bit all over the place. I can't multi-task and I'm getting forgetful. After all the cleaning, I decided to sit down and watch the news on TV. I couldn't find my cup of coffee. I looked everywhere. I'd washed up the cup and put it away!
I'm popping grapes into my mouth like nobody's business - in between harder and harder drags on my inhalator.
Next, I think I'll go in the bath. Then I'll watch Holby City and eat a hot cross bun.
Tomorrow night, I'm stripping wallpaper at a friend's. That will keep me occupied. But will I still be ***-free?
I've got to be!
MY work will take me out of the office this afternoon – so, hopefully, I’ll be too busy to even contemplate a sudden craving.
If I do get the ‘urge’, I’ll have to whip out my inhalator and have a puff.
A third town councillor has visited my office this morning and was initially quite taken aback by the sight of me sucking a white plastic stick.
I’ve just noticed that, in the subject bar of an email I sent, I wrote “addiction” instead of “addition”. Just about sums me up today, I think.
While I’m out and about, I intend to buy the fresh fish I’ve promised myself.
A SMALL white thing called an inhalator is constantly being pressed to my lips, so I can take long, hard drags on its nicotine impregnated core, and my concentration level is still low.
However, two town councillors have just called into my office to wish me luck with my quit programme. They read about my intention to give up smoking in today’s paper. They have each offered to donate £10 to a charity of my choice – if I’m still ‘smoke-free’ this time next week.
There’s an incentive… Thank you, Councillor Jill McNally and Councillor Richard Gaughan!
Upwards and onwards; I’ve got a pile of work to do and MUST crack on.
If any church-goers are reading, perhaps you could add me to this week’s prayer list.
IT’S slow going in my office today. I’ve been behind my desk for a little over two hours and I’ve only typed two stories. One was a NIB (news in brief)! What a good job today isn't a day when I'm subbing the paper.
My concentration levels have dropped quite dramatically, but I know this is a temporary blip. Things will improve as my smoke-free days go by.
I’m using my inhalator, quite a lot, and it really does seem to help. Even holding it, like a cigarette, makes a difference.
Back to work…Concentrate, Belinda!
I WAS extra careful driving to work today. My concentration levels are slightly lowered – because I have given up smoking!
Yes, I’ve taken that vital first step on the road to becoming a healthier, richer person.
I stuck to the promise I made myself and actually stubbed out my last cigarette at around 7.30pm last night (Tuesday).
I put a nicotine patch on about and hour later and set up my inhalator, ready for the morning.
The reason why I didn’t wait until this morning to quit is that I feared I’d never get past the start line. Smoking first thing in the morning was a vital part of my daily routine as a smoker. Waiting until then to put a patch on would have been courting disaster.
I usually light up my first cigarette as I’m switching the kettle on.
Today, I reached for my inhalator as I flipped the switch.
I’m obviously thinking about cigarettes non-stop, but I’m not tempted to light one.
I was aware that starting my quit programme at night could lead to insomnia. A raging storm, not lack of fags, kept me awake. I’m expecting sleepless nights over the coming days, but I’m mentally prepared.
When I used the inhalator, I experienced a feeling similar to that when I smoke. The taste wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, although the inside of my mouth feels a bit strange. It feels a bit numb and I’ve got a sensation in my tongue.
I’ve arrived at work with a handbag full of fruit. I’ve decided to give sandwiches and pasties a miss today.
Later, if I’ve got the time, I’m going to venture out of the office and buy some fresh fish – to cook in my new steamer.
ONCE I decided to quit smoking, I visited my GP surgery and saw a specialist nurse.
We talked through my smoking addiction and I agreed to keep a diary of my life, as a smoker, for three days running up to my quit date.
I also made a list of the reasons why I want to give up smoking and what I thought the benefits would be.
I thought about the things I was going to do to help keep me busy, sustain my willpower and further aid my health.
One of my goals is to eat plenty of fruit and veg - so I've got a house full of onions, broccoli, carrots, swede, mushrooms and cabbage. I have also bought lots of cleaning products. I figure cleaning will keep me busy!
Today, the day before my quit date, I returned to the surgery and had a longer consultation.
After discussing the level of my addiction, and all of the above, it was agreed that I would use the strongest strength nicotine replacement patches to start, with an inhalator to keep my hands busy and to take the 'edge' off any sudden cravings.
The nurse and I discussed my plan for stopping smoking.
I had already given it a great deal of thought and revealed I was planning to quit tonight, the day before my official SmokeStop date.
The reason why I have decided to do this is that I'm frightened I'll go to bed with good intentions and then not put the patch on as soon as I wake up - and end up smoking.
I've had visions of not even getting past the start line. If this happened, I'd feel as though I'd badly let myself down.
As soon as I left the surgery, I picked up my nicotine replacement prescription and bought myself a triple-tier food steamer - on offer for £7.99 at Lloyds Pharmacy.
It is now 6pm and I'm planning to quit smoking in about two hours' time.
I feel daunted but determined.
THE questions are seemingly endless... Do you smoke when you feel relaxed? Do you smoke when you get angry? Do you smoke when...?
I could tick every box on the SmokeStop questionnaire, handed to me by a nurse at my GP's surgery.
Instead, I'm tempted to skip the lot and write: "Look, I'm an addict! I smoke for any reason and even for no reason. I smoke three fags straight off as soon as I wake up in the morning and, if I'm running low on supplies, I'm first through the door at Lyme News shortly after 5am. I wish I could say I was there to buy a daily paper, but newsagent employees know the truth - because I always ask for 20 Mayfair."
A nicotine addict, through and through - that's me. Ever since I spied my friends with metallic-wrapped cardboard boxes and trendy lighters, sort of forbidden fashion accessories, I've been captivated. Well, initially captivated and now hooked.
My late father's enduring advice through my teens was straight to the point: "You can drink, but you can't smoke - and keep your legs crossed!"
Alcohol is something I either love or hate - depending on the company I'm in. But, I've got two kids and I smoke at least 20-a-day. Sorry, Dad!
In the beginning, I coughed when I puffed on a cigarette and I never inhaled. Smoking was an occasional pastime, which cost me nothing. My friends gave me fags. I can't remember the first time I bought a packet of cigarettes, but I can remember the first time I craved a puff. I was working for a newspaper in Exeter and my boss was forever bailing me out with Dunhill - until, one day, he announced he'd kicked the habit. No more freebies at the financially lean time of the month!
I was in Heaven when he quit the company as well and his replacement turned out to be Alan Butt. The late legend of Westcountry journalism didn't just smoke as a pastime. Oh, no, smoking, for him, was a passion! He'd often have three fags on the go at once and, eventually, the inevitable happened - he set his desk on fire!
It was pretty good at my next job, too. At the Plymouth offices of the Sunday Independent, Tina Cooper, Ken Sheldon, Stuart Fraser and I kept the newsroom pretty smog-ridden. I had Angela Rippon's former typewriter in front of me, with ashtrays both sides. Can it get any better than that?
Newspaper companies were quick to adopt No Smoking policies. I haven't been formally allowed to smoke at my desk for at least 14 years. At Archant South West's Devon HQ, the smoking area is set well away from the building. A tall, thin, metallic 'butt bin' marks the spot. (I'm responsible for emptying it on a rotational basis.) It's fairly exposed to the elements and a nearby tree offers little shelter during frequent inclement spells. Exeter Airport is prone to freezing temperatures and biting winds, in my experience. It's quite a miserable thing to be a smoker at work - especially now my travelling Smoking Room, my beloved red Ford Escort, has been put out to pasture. I'm getting a brand, spanking new 08-plate any day, so there's no going back.
Out and about, I used to look forward to meetings and breaks in coffee shops and pubs where I could smoke. One of my favourite haunts was the coffee shop in Black Lion Court, Honiton. It was a magnet for smokers, a rare haven for a breed set apart by a modern form of discrimination. Increasingly, I was in a clan that found itself with nowhere to go. Not in the warm, anyway!
When the ban on smoking in public places became law last summer, I was defiant. I'd sooner smoke on a street corner than even venture into a pub or coffee shop. I only ever really went in them to use an ashtray!
My smoking haunt in Honiton ever since has been a spot next to a litterbin in Lace Walk car park. Yes, I've been on public display while satisfying my craving for nicotine - but, hey, I've spotted some great stories at the same time! Every cloud has a silver lining!
I'm actually not as resilient to change as I make out. I don't enjoy cigarettes anymore; I just HAVE to smoke them. They leave a lingering smell on everything from my breath to my clothes, and they cost a small fortune. I'm not into rolling my own, so there's no way to reduce the cost - other than to give up.
As I get older, I find myself pondering more and more on death. I'm an extremely morbid creature. Every song I hear is a potential funeral march. Just ask Scott Phillips, of Sweet Black Angels... When he turned up clutching his second album, Expect The Waking, I almost immediately asked: Anything suitable for my funeral? He said I'd like 'She Makes Me'. Love the song - just don't think mourners (if my death attracts any) will consider it suitable for the occasion. Plus, will the Rector of Honiton, Reverend Roberts, allow it in St Paul's? I love another track on the album, too, but is 'Psychopathic Woman' a suitable epitaph? Some might say it is, in my case!
I've suddenly realised I'm not particularly 'young' anymore, and it's scary. I'm still a teenager at heart, but the fearlessness of adolescence has dimmed. The flame of my youth has gradually diminished, to the point of almost being snuffed out. I even wear slippers. How bad is that?
I'm asthmatic, my parents died young and, I could swear, I've had the odd minor heart attack. Whether I've got to the age where indigestion sets in or my arteries start to clog, I don't know. I just feel, in my heart of hearts, that I have overdone things.
My kids hate me smoking. Even my son, who's approaching 18, nags me. My daughter, approaching 13, is even worse. What if I dropped dead tomorrow and my daughter was left on her own? What if there was something I could have done to prevent it? What if that 'something' was giving up smoking?
Because I'm an addict, I don't always care. It's the shocking truth. We have all got to die of something, including me. That's what I tell myself. I also think: the damage has already been done. What can I do now to turn back the clock?
According to a chart at the doctor's, the benefits of giving up smoking are almost immediate. There are longer-term benefits, too. Life, presumably, is one of them!
I'm sick and tired of being smoker. I want to change. That's why I'm giving up smoking on Wednesday, March 12 - National No Smoking Day.
Straight away, I want to stress I'm very weak-willed. However, I'm going to give it my best shot.
The last time I seriously tried to give up smoking I managed to be ***-free for three weeks. To this day, I blame constipation for my relapse. I HAD to have a *** to 'go', if you know what I mean.
An addict, however, WOULD say that. And I'm an addict!
Ex-Lax at the ready...
THE benefits of giving up smoking are almost instant.
Twenty minutes after quitting the habit, blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.
Eight hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.
24 hours: Carbon monoxide levels are eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.
48 hours: Nicotine eliminated from the body. Sense of taste and smell are greatly improved.
72 hours: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax. Energy levels increase.
Two to 12 weeks: Blood circulation improves.
Three to nine months: Coughs and breathing problems improve. Overall lung function may improve by five to 10 per cent.
Five years: The risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: The risk of getting lung cancer is only slightly greater than that of a non-smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to almost the same as someone who has never smoked.