Smoking Report

In 2005, 24% adults (over age 16) smoked.

10% of adults smoked over 20 cigarettes per day.

Almost everyone in the UK now accepts that smoking is lethal. Yet it is still the commonest cause of premature death. Twenty three years average loss of life for someone who started smoking in their teens. So why is this?

68% of smokers wanted to give up.

With the recent legislation barring smoking in the workplace, it is reasonable to suppose that the number of smokers wanting to give up is even greater.

Smokers take more sick leave.

A study from Sweden shows that smokers take almost 8 extra days off sick than non-smokers.

Once people stop smoking their productivity immediately improves. A non-smoking workforce is likely to be a productive and healthy workforce.

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals.

200 are known to be harmful

43 are known to cause cancer.

These include:

Carbon monoxide

Nicotine

Benzene

Arsenic

Cadmium

Cyanide

Mercury …….. and many others….

Tobacco smoke has been classed as a class “A” carcinogen

by the Environment Protection Agency

(as have asbestos and benzene).

Cigars are even more deadly.

The smoke from a single cigar in a closed room, is equivalent to that of 42 cigarettes!

Low tar cigarettes are no safer as people tend to inhale more deeply.

Some of the diseases caused and made worse by cigarettes include:

Angina….20 times the risk

Back pain

Depression

Cataracts …. twice the risk

ALZHEIMER’S….double your chance

Impotence

Blindness

Pneumonia……..and there are many more…

So What Health Benefits Might You Experience

When You Kick The Habit?

Improved Circulation: noticeable in hands and feet, but also in the brain. Quite often my clients will tell me that they have noticed they feel brighter and more alert.

That Phlegmy Cough disappears: (it may take a few weeks to completely clear your lungs).

The Stairs Seem Less Steep And High!

Eyesight May Improve, As Will Taste And Smell.

But mostly there is a sense of relief, of being back in control of one’s life, and of knowing that the risk of early death is getting less each day.

Here it is in table form:

Time since quitting

Benefit in health

8 hours

Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels half. Oxygen levels normal. Improved circulation

24 hours

Carbon monoxide and nicotine eliminated from body

48 hours

Decline in lung function and excess risk of lung cancer is halted

1 month

Improved appearance – better skin

3 - 9 months

Decline in coughs and wheezes

1 year

Excess risk of heart attack reduces by half compared to that of smoker

15 years

Risk of heart attack now the same as someone who has never smoked

Side effects of giving up

Temporary irritability and reduced concentration may occur in some people. This rarely lasts long. Weight gain unfortunately does persist, usually up to 7 pounds – but hypnosis can often prevent this – and being over weight is far less of a health risk than smoking.

Ways to help give up smoking

Chemical ways:

Nicotine replacement, chewing gum, patches, lozenges or nasal sprays are all used. Taken for around 8-12 weeks they work in around 1 in 20 cases.

Zyban – only available on prescription and it dose have side effects. Works in about 1 in 10 cases.

Stop smoking groups – vary but seem to work in around 1 in 20 cases.

Hypnosis – this has not to my knowledge been properly evaluated. Various claims have been made and The British Medical Association recognises that hypnotherapy is a valid aid to stopping smoking.

I understand that generally, people who use hypnosis are five times more likely to succeed than those relying on will power alone, and twice as likely as those using nicotine gum.

In my own Hypnotherapy practice the numbers are too small to have much meaning. I have not got long term figures, but short term, it seems that well over 60% and probably nearer to 80% do give up. But it depends upon the person.

What Am I Offering?

I Offer “Stop Smoking” Group Hypnotherapy Sessions.

Being part of a group has it’s own advantages:

They set a time-table.

Moral support.

Understanding on the part of other participants.

Reduced financial cost to the individual.

The session takes three hours with a break in the middle. You will find it relaxing and challenging – and you are unlikely to smoke again. There are only a maximum of eight people on each session. You will go away with your own little workbook!! And two CDs, one simple relaxation and the other specifically for smokers.

I can give group sessions anywhere you like, if it's quiet and comfortable nad we will not be disturbed.

The cost varies according to how many people attend, but an average smoker would burn this money in less than two weeks!

A typical session would be as follows - but we can be very adaptable.

Times: Usually, we need about 3 hours total time - and a break in the middle! The break could be anything from 1/4 hour to two weeks!

So - If you would like to stop smoking - just give me (Liz) a ring on 01900 821139, and if I am out please leave a message, including your telephone number so that I can get back to you.

Think about it - can you - and your friends - NOT afford to give it your very best shot? I look forward to welcoming you to one of my Stop Smoking Seminars, or as my private client.

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