Smoking

Smoking is the greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ireland. Smoking related disease is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths and claims 7,000 lives a year, 135 deaths per week and 19 deaths per day.

Every cigarette you smoke can shorten your life by an average of 5 minutes.

How to Give Up

Set a date, a week or so in the future when you intend to stop. Tell all your friends, relatives and work colleagues that you are giving up on that day and ask for their support and encouragement. If at all possible, find someone to give up with you. When the big day comes plan it carefully with plenty to keep you occupied.

Avoid situations where the desire to smoke will be strongest, such as when drinking.

Finally, carefully put the money you would have spent on cigarettes aside, each day, to save up for some special treat as a reward. If you have tried everything and failed, try again.

If you have tried everything and failed and tried again and failed, ask for help.

There is a smoking cessation clinic at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Phone: 6465075