Just as it says on the packet, ‘smoking is harmful to your health’. Dr. Jules Kabahizi of Rwanda Heart Foundation explains that it is the cause of so many respiratory and heart diseases.

When you stop smoking, you reduce chances of having a heart attack, getting lung cancer, emphysema, and other lung diseases.

You will also be less inclined to get out of breathe, that morning cough will ease and the number of coughs and colds suffered will reduce. 

You will have more energy to pursue physical activities, you will develop fewer wrinkles and you will save money. You sense of smell and taste will even get better. Overall, you will have more control over your life.

But the abundant advantages of giving up make it no easier to kick that addiction. In this case, do not be afraid to ask for help; for starters ask family and friends not to smoke around you.

If quitting immediately sounds too big a step to take, each day postpone lighting your first cigarette by one hour. Smoke only those cigarettes you really want and catch yourself before you light up out of pure habit.

Decide how many cigarettes you'll smoke on a daily basis, and for each additional cigarette give Frw100 to charity. Don't empty your ashtrays.

This will remind you how many you smoke, and the sight and smell of stale cigarettes butts will be very unpleasant. As you try to cut down the number of cigarettes, you will need to identify the times you are most likely to smoke.

For example, do you tend to smoke when feeling stressed? When you are out at night with friends, while you are drinking coffee, when you are bored? Whatsoever, but it will help you reduce you smoking rate.

Once you are ready to give up make a date and stick to it. Don't think of never smoking again. Think of stopping in terms of one day at a time.

Wash your clothes to get rid of the smell of smoke and destroy (yes, I mean snap!) any cigarettes you may have left. And let everyone know what you are doing, you will be amazed how much others can help.

Take each day at a time and keep a list of why you are giving up on you at all times. Avoid situations where you are accustomed to smoking – go to the cinema or take some exercise instead.

Make an appointment to see your GP or practice nurse, and see what help they can offer you to quit. There are smoking termination programmes in hospitals, health centres, and community centres.

Ask your health care provider for advice, including whether prescription medications are safe and appropriate for you. Think positively - withdrawal can be unpleasant, but it's a sign your body is recovering from the effects of tobacco. It’s not going to be easy but you won’t look back.

Contact: eddiemukaaya@yahoo.com