Stop smoking with our support during Stoptober this month

​Maybe it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while or maybe it’s something you try NOT to think about! But stopping smoking is one of the biggest improvements to your health that you can make. 
 
In this blog post we will take about the various support options available to you and how we can help you move forward to kick the habit...

Remembering the reasons why it’s so important to stop:

​We know that smoking leads to disease and affects every organ in your body. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; as well increasing your risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
 
But at stressful times like we are living through currently it can be particularly difficult to give up habits that we feel support us in our daily life such as smoking and alcohol.
 
The good news is that support is available to you throughout your stopping smoking journey. And waiting on the other side for you is a healthier body, improved energy levels, improved senses of taste and smell. The benefits continue to build the longer progress away from being a smoker.

Source: NHS website

Make a plan to succeed

With anything you want to make in life it’s good to have a plan: 

• Write it down. Make a list of your reasons why so you can refer back to them to keep on-track. 
• Share your goals. There’s something about sharing our goals that makes us feel more committed and accountable to achieve them.  Talk to friends and family members, they will be able to support you. 
• Make a plan. Think about what you’ll do if you feel the urge to smoke – maybe getting out for some fresh air, or finding something to occupy your hands perhaps cooking, crafts or a jigsaw. 
• Exercise. If you are able to, exercise will help – a walk in the park, swimming, cycling or yoga will help you to banish those cravings. 
• Mindfulness and meditation.

 
Mindfulness and meditation can help us to find time and peace during challenging times and could help you manage your feelings and see that any sensations you are experiencing are temporary and will pass. Why not try these useful and accessible mindfulness techniques. 

Get support:

The NHS has a free app plus other resources that you can download to support your journey.
 
We, at your local pharmacy, are here for you:
 
We can support you in our pharmacy. You can book a FREE appointment at either our Bramhall or Hazel Grove pharmacy stores to discuss your Stoptober goals and also discuss various over the counter products that are available to support you, such as:  
 
- Nicotine inhalators
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine lozenges
- Nicotine chewing gum

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

​Alternatively, you may find that a medication called Champix (varenicline) can help you achieve your goals if you have previously struggled to quit using other methods in the past. 
 
 
What is Champix?
 
Champix is taken over a 12-week course of tablets which can help to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking. During the first two weeks of taking Champix, you will continue to smoke. You will need to set your ‘quit date’ to be between 10 and 14 days after starting to take Champix.  It works by mimicking the effect of nicotine on the body. Therefore, it both reduces the urge to smoke and relieves withdrawal symptoms. Find out more about Champix.
 
Our Pharmacist will be able to discuss this treatment in more detail with you so that you can decide if this treatment is right for you during your FREE consultation. Choose ‘Stoptober Consultation’ from our list of services (at the bottom of the list).
 
 
However you choose to approach Stoptober being motivated and keeping your ultimate goals in mind will help you during your journey to becoming a smoke-free. These are certainly challenging times and taking care of our health has never been more important.
Best of luck if you decide to give a go this October, you have everything to gain! 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT