Quit Smoking with Haven Pharmacy
1 in every 2 smokers will die of a tobacco-related disease. It doesn’t have to be that way – you can quit!
Have you tried to give up smoking in the past? Have you managed to give up for long periods of time and then one little slip spiralled you back to your former full-time smoking self?
The disappointment in returning to this bad habit might off trying to quit again? Don’t let it… Never give up giving up!
Giving Up
With our customers health in mind, we have put a plan in place for anyone that wants to quit, so please speak to one of our trained advisers or ask your Haven pharmacist if you would like advice on which Nicotine Replacement Treatment (NRT) is best suited to your needs. There are a range of very effective over the counter remedies available from your Haven pharmacy to help stop smoking.
Health Benefits
Straight away you will have fresher breath, hair & clothes and
Straight away you prevent staining your fingers & teeth and delay premature aging
Straight away you will have more money in your pocket!
Within 20 mins your blood pressure and pulse rate begin to return to normal
Within 1 day your risk of heart attack begins to fall
Within 2 days you will have a better sense of taste and smell
Within 3 days you will feel fitter as you will be less breathless as the nicotine is gone from your body completely
After 2-3 weeks your lung function will improve
Within 2-3 months your lung capacity can increase by up to 30%
After 1 year your risk of sudden death from a heart attack is almost cut in half, while your risk from cancer is also reduced
After 5 years the risk of smoking related cancers will be greatly reduced
After 10 years the risk of a heart attack drops to almost the same as a non-smoker
Did you know Ireland has more quitters than smokers?
Join the Quitters and start your journey today! Here are some helpful tips to guide you on the road to a smoke free life…
- Decide to Quit
Write down all the reasons why you want to quit so you can refer to them in moments of weakness.
- Make a Date
Pick a date that you feel you will be relaxed and focused on quitting and then stick to it. Throw out all your cigarettes including any emergency supplies as quitting outright is more effective than cutting down gradually.
- Talk to Your Support Team
Friends and family can offer wonderful encouragement when trying to quit. Talk to your Haven Pharmacist for advice in our private consultation room or contact the National Smokers’ Quitline on 1850 201 203 for Free Support
- Avoid Your Triggers and Temptations
Know your trigger situations and prepare in advance. Many of our customers find it difficult to avoid a cigarette when drinking alcohol. Try to remove this trigger in the first couple of weeks/months after quitting.
- Learn how to cope with cravings
Cravings can occur frequently in the first week of quitting. Remember cravings intensify over 3 to 5 minutes then subside.
Practice the Four D’s:
- Delay acting on the urge to smoke – it will pass
- Deep breathing, calm your nerves
- Drink lots of water, it will decrease the need for snacking
- Distract yourself, do something else to take your mind off it
- Make positive lifestyle choices
Increase your level of exercise as this helps improve mood and manages your weight. Many quitters experience a spike in appetite after giving up initially, this is your body and mind adjusting to a habit and it will level out. Avoid snacking on sweets, choose healthy snacks like fruit and nuts instead. Go for a brisk walk or jog to get rid of your anxiety or stress – it will help your body and mind.
- Stay positive!
In moments of weakness remember why you are quitting and believe in the strength of your will power. Look back at the list of reasons you put together when you decided to quit. This will shift your focus back to the long term goal.
- Reward yourself
Cigarettes are expensive! Get a money box, work out how much money you were spending each week on cigarettes and put it away. Buy yourself something as a treat instead. The important thing is, be kind to yourself. Don’t see quitting as a punishment, see it as a liberation and a step on the road to a happy and healthier life!
For more information on starting your Smoke Free journey – contact your local Haven Pharmacy who will help you with your plan and start you on the right NRT products from Nicorette- we have a range of patches, gum, quick mist, lozenges and inhalers. Using these NRT products increases your chance of successfully stopping by up to 70%!
Sign up for your Quit Plan from the HSE and start your smoke free journey today to look forward to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Good luck, YOU CAN DO THIS!
