National No Smoking Day...
Smoking. Once popular, now almost outlawed, always realy really bad for you. I’ve smoked since I was ooh, well, let’s just say for a long time!
These days it’s just the odd cigarette when I’ve had a drink of a weekend, but it used to be around 20 a day, or more on the bad days.
National No Smoking Day was always ignored by me, but this year I am going to make a concerted effort to stop altogether, and even cut out that odd ‘social ciggy’ on a night out. Apart from the obvious health risks (er, lung cancer, anyone?), smoking is not good for your looks. It ages you. It makes your skin dull, everything about you smells rank, and it;s not cool!
Boots have loads of ways to help you if you are ready to quit smoking – and statistics tell us that seven out of 10 smokers are.
You can receive Stop Smoking advice at all Boots stores, and this can include an NHS service which may involve a combination of consultations and counselling sessions with a pharmacist, and the option of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to give you the tailored support and advice you need.
“Firstly, if you’ve decided to kick the habit, congratulations – you’re already a step closer to achieving your goal!,” says Boots pharmacist, Angela Chalmers. “To help you stop smoking, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are actually much more likely to quit with ongoing help, from either your doctor or your pharmacist, combined with the use of NRT.
“NRT contains nicotine and although you will still require willpower, they can help take the edge off the physical effects of tobacco withdrawal. This means that you should be more prepared to deal with cravings. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose the right NRT for you.”
Apparently, using some form of NRT increases your chances of successfully stopping by around 50-70 per cent. Boots has just launched two new NRT products to complement the existing range of patches, gum, lozenges, tablets, inhilators and sprays (there really is something for everyone!)_
The first new product is the Boots Pharmaceuticals NicAssist Translucent Patch (£6.25) – available in three strengths: 25mg (Step 1), 15mg (Step 2) and 10mg (Step 3). This 16 hour patch can help you beat the urge to smoke discreetly. It does contain nicotine.
The second new product helps with thos early morning cravings. The Boots Pharmaceuticals NicAssist 24 Hour Transdermal Patch (£12.59) which is available as a 21mg (Step 1), 14mg (Step 2) and 7mg (Step 3) patch, is worn as it says for 24 hours, so you are getting nicotine through the night.
I love the Nicotinell ‘personal pay rise’ calculator as well, which is available at selected Boots stores. Using it, you can work out your personal ‘quitting’ pay rise, based on your salary, tax band and cigarettes smoked.
If you are choosing to quit today or even just thinking about it, then good luck!
Visit Boots stores and boots.com for more info
