National No Smoking Day 2023

Wednesday February 22^nd, 2023 is National No Smoking Day. There will be an Information stand in the Main Concourse at St James’s Hospital on the 22^nd February with advice, leaflets and resources to help you or others to quit.

Top Tips to Quit Smoking:

• Prepare to quit: take a moment to write down your reasons for quitting. Keep them close to hand or even stick them on your fridge as a reminder to stay strong. Set a QUIT date.
• Change your routine and habits - do you normally have a cigarette with a coffee or tea? Then change your routine – have a cup of water instead or hold your cup in the other hand.
• Keep check on cravings –your craving for nicotine will peak at 3-5 minutes and will pass if you deal with it. Have your heard of the 4Ds?

1. Delay at least 3 – 5 minutes and the urge will pass,2. Drink a glass of water or fruit juice,3. Distract yourself, move away from the situation,4. Deep breathe – breathe slowly and deeply.
2. The single best advice is to help yourself QUIT by getting support from the stop smoking service here in St James’s: Carmel Doherty, smoking cessation nurse specialist: Ext 3580 or cdoherty@stjames.ie or other services near you https://www2.hse.ie/quit-smoking/support-services/

• Get by with a little help from your friends – supportive friends, family and even work colleagues could make all the difference to you on your QUIT journey.

National Smokers’ Quit line   1800201203

www.quit.ie

www.facebook.com/HSEquit Support services are available to everyone and is free of charge. By using a support service, you are twice as likely to succeed.