If you smoke, giving up is probably the biggest single step you can take to improve your health.
Smoking is responsible for one in every five deaths in adults aged over 35 in England, and half of all long-term smokers will die prematurely due to a smoking-related disease.
Giving up smoking increases your chances of living a longer and healthier life, even if you've smoked for 40 years. You'll start to notice the benefits soon after quitting. For example:
- after one month your skin will be clearer, brighter and more hydrated
- after three to nine months your breathing will have improved, and you will no longer have a cough or wheeze
- after one year your risk of heart attack and heart disease will have fallen to about half that of a smoker
Studies show that you're four times more likely to quit smoking if you do it through the NHS. You can make an appointment without seeing your doctor by calling the NHS Stop Smoking helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only).
