Occupational Health Service: no smoking day - 14 March
29 February 2012
Health benefits
Quitting smoking has immediate . Your blood pressure and pulse return to normal after only 20 minutes without a cigarette. Within a day, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. Within two weeks to three months your risk of a heart attack decreases and your lungs begin to function better. Long-term benefits include a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other cancers. Quitting will also reduce the risk of gum disease.
Financial benefits
In addition to health benefits, there are monetary rewards to consider. Find out the health and monetary benefits for you by using the .
Don't do it alone
It may be tempting to toss your cigarettes in the bin and declare you've quit, but going cold turkey isn't that easy and increases your chances of relapse. If you want to quit smoking, your GP can provide help and advice and point you in the right direction for treatment and support to help find the way that best suits you; be it nicotine patches or gum, face to face or group meetings. You can start planning now using the to take an addiction test, and get useful tips on how to boost your willpower. For more information visit the NHS or call 0800 022 4 3332.
Your also provides support and guidance for any practical or emotional issues, which include dependency on tobacco. To receive information and guidance from qualified counsellors contact your (Username: UCL Password: employee) or call on 0800 243 45824. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to all UCL staff.
Further support
Find your local service
British Heart Foundation
Elaine Fletcher, Occupational Health Services, Human Resources