Smoking causes numerous diseases and health problems, some fatal, among both smokers and non-smokers. In Northern Ireland, 2,700 to 3,000 people die from smoking related illnesses each year.
Many people say they started smoking before the age of 18, even though the law prevents anyone selling tobacco, cigarettes or cigarette papers to those under this age.
Avoiding the temptation to smoke at an early age is therefore important to prevent you developing a habit.
People give up smoking for many reasons - from a desire to improve their health or to save money, to wanting to appeal to the opposite sex or reduce any potential harm on someone else's health.
In the UK one person dies from a smoking-related disease every four minutes. Smoking causes:
It can also worsen colds, chest problems and allergies like hay fever, bronchitis and emphysema, as well as have unpleasant side-effects such as wrinkles and bad breath.
Smoking can also make you cough, sneeze or feel short of breath when you exercise.
It's a myth that smoking helps you lose weight - in fact it can cause cellulite. And kissing someone with a mouth like an ashtray isn't sexy.
Calculate how much your smoking habit is costing you in terms of money and you might be surprised how much you could save.
Breathing in other peoples cigarette smoke, called secondhand smoke, can also cause cancer.
From 30 April 2007 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in Northern Ireland became smoke-free. For more information, see 'Smoke-Free Regulations 2007”.
The Republic of Ireland has been smoke-free from March 2004, Scotland since 26 March 2006, Wales since 2 April 2007 and England since 1 July 2007. When will power alone is not enough, there are various treatments and plenty of support services to help you kick the habit.
The Health Promotion Agency website “Want 2 Stop” offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on local cessation services. If you want assistance in giving up smoking -
The Smokers’ helpline (0800 85 85 85) is staffed by trained counsellors who can direct you to stop smoking groups in your area, and provide advice and support over the phone.
Health and well-being
