Smoking is the unhealthiest thing you can do to yourself. Quitting smoking will stop the damage immediately and start reversing the effects very rapidly.- It’s best to choose a quitting date about 2-4 weeks away so you can plan, and choose sudden-stopping OR gradual reduction to zero.
- The ideal quitting plan involves considering nicotine replacement, prescription medication, and support, as well as planning how to handle smoking triggers.
- Some weight gain does occur for most quitters but it is not severe (4-5kg usually), can be controlled, and is still way-healthier than smoking.
- Most ex-smokers tried to quit more than once before they succeeded. Don’t give up trying to give up!
In Five: Smoking
About the Author: Dr Colin Burns
Colin was a medical practitioner (GP) from 1988 to 2000. Since then he has worked in the wellness field, designing, developing and delivering various products and services. Out of clinical practice for many years now he no longer practices medicine formally but retains a keen interest in helping people become more-well versions of themselves. He acts as a wellness coach and not as a medical practitioner today.
Colin's approach and philosophy is based on empowerment: the notion that people only need a little help to make choices they usually already want to anyway - it's about respect and support rather than instruction or correction.
Colin lives at the Vaal Dam with his wife Cathy. He spends time walking mountains, cycling, motorbike riding, kayaking, sailing and always looking for better & better balance.
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