There is no question that smoking is bad for you, as well as for those around you. Smoking is addictive primarily through the nicotine content (an alkaloid poison) in the tobacco, but also through the appeal of cigarette in-hand for many users.

And it’s not all nicotine either; there are numerous other chemicals being inhaled which have profound affects on the body. In short, dozens of cancer-causing chemicals come with tobacco smoke, harming almost all organs in the body that ultimately leads to disease and lack of health in general.

Common side affects from smoking include: coughing and wheezing; irritation of the windpipe and voice box; breathlessness; lung irritation and damage. Common diseases caused by long-term smoking include: lung cancer; lung diseases like chronic bronchitis; heart attack and stroke; gangrene through bad blood circulation.

Specific negative attributes from smoking in the male body may include impotency and sperm complications, while females may experience reduced fertility, early menopause and increased risk of cancer of the cervix.

The good news is that the earlier you quit, the better chance you have of reducing your risk of major health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Those who manage to quit by the age of 30 gain a considerable number of years of life expectancy by avoiding many smoking-related diseases.

Even those who quit at advanced years can improve their life expectancy. The affects on your health will not be immediate, but after a few months of quitting your heart and lungs will function better.

Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult for many smokers who are addicted to nicotine and many people may need extra support when trying to go ‘cold turkey’. Telephone support and quitting smoking courses can help smokers kick the habit, while nicotine replacement therapy is available from pharmacies. These include nicotine skin patches and nicotine impregnated lozenges, chewing gum, tablets and inhalers.

Tips for quitting smoking : set a stop date and go cold turkey; discard all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays; ask your smoking partner to also give it up, or at least be away from you when they want to smoke; ask for support from friends and family; take up regular exercise; eat more fruit, vegetables and less fatty foods if you gain weight; and treat yourself with the money you save on cigarettes.