By Warda Salvester
One of the most popular New Year's resolutions people make is to quit smoking.
Some choose to go cold turkey and simply stop, while others try to gradually smoke less every day until they eventually stop.
Unfortunately most of them lose their resolve to ditch this dirty habit, despite the smoking ban in public places and rising cigarette prices.
Many people claim they smoke to relieve stress - and in these tough economic times, this sounds like a viable excuse.
But experts say the so-called stress-relieving benefits of smoking are a con, as smokers would feel less stressed if it wasn't for their habit.
Anxiety is one of the withdrawal symptoms that kicks in when you need to top up your nicotine levels - the addictive substance in cigarettes.
If you want to cut down on your stress levels, save money and live longer, you should quit.
In South Africa, tobacco-related diseases kill about 25 000 people each year.
Here are some smoking myths that keep people hooked:
Myth - I'll get fat if I give up. Some people do initially gain weight, but it's only a kilo or two. The bottom line is, smoking is far more damaging to your health. It's easier to give up a habit when you're replacing it, so why not take up a new form of exercise? It will definitely help you shed those extra kilos.
Myth - Light cigarettes are less harmful. You may have noticed how people who smoke mild and light brands actually inhale more deeply, smoke more often or smoke more cigarettes so they can get enough nicotine to satisfy their cravings. You inhale as much poisonous chemicals as someone who smokes a normal ciggie.
Myth - A few fags a week won't hurt. Occasional smokers have a higher risk of cancer than non-smokers. Even if you smoke just two cigarettes a day, you are more likely to get cancer of the mouth.
Myth - My parents smoked and are still alive so I'll be fine. Smokers who live to an old age are the exception rather than the rule. The fact is, there is no guarantee that you won't get cancer if you continue smoking. One in two smokers die from their habit - do you really want to take the chance?
Myth - I'm young, my body can heal fast. Smoking causes harm at any age but young smokers are particularly susceptible to lung damage. It can also affect your lung development. Girls' lungs stop growing at 18 and boys' at around 24. You can permanently damage your lungs if you smoke at a young age.
The longer you smoke, the more damage you'll do.
Myth - Smoking while I'm pregnant will make the birth easier. This is a dangerous myth based on the fact that smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of having a low-weight baby. Having a small baby won't necessarily make the birth easier.
In fact, low-weight babies have a higher risk of stillbirth and disease. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.
Myth - I've been smoking so long, it's not worth giving up. Smoking is the biggest cause of avoidable early death. Giving up is the single greatest thing you can do to instantly improve your health. Benefits begin straight away and it doesn't matter what your age is.
After 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse turn to normal; within two hours, there is no more nicotine in your blood system; after three days, breathing becomes easier and your sense of smell will return.
After a year, your risk of heart attack is halved and after five years your risk of lung cancer is halved. If you're a male, your sperm will become more normal.
Myth - NRT is as harmful as smoking - what's the point? Nicotine-replacement therapy gradually helps reduce your levels of nicotine - the addictive substance in cigarettes - easing withdrawal symptoms.
It also doesn't contain the 4 000 other poisonous chemicals found in cigarettes. The nicotine dose is lower and it's delivered more slowly into your system, so the brain doesn't get the same hit.
You're twice as likely to succeed with NRT than with will power alone. Choose from patches, gum, tablets, nasal sprays and inhalators.
Myth - I just can't give up. Nicotine is as dangerous and addictive as hard drugs like heroin and tik. It makes the brain release the feel-good chemical dopamine.
And the withdrawal symptoms are the same as hard drugs - mood swings, cravings, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating.
- Call the National Council Against Smoking Quit Line on (011) 720 3145 for guidance.
For tips to help you quit, go to www.againstsmoking.org. - Daily Voice