From banning smoking in enclosed public places to creating standardised packaging for tobacco products, over the years the UK government has accelerated its goal of a smoke-free future. So much so, England and Wales aim to become smoke-free by 2030.
As part of this drive, the government announced its plan to stop new generations smoking. Under its proposed ban, people born in England on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be allowed to buy tobacco. Given the negative health effects of smoking, the crackdown is no surprise. Every year, about 76,000 people in the UK die because of smoking, with the habit causing 70% of lung cancer cases.
“Smoking increases the risk of numerous health conditions, from lung cancer and heart disease to respiratory illnesses like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” says Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK. “On average, smokers live 10 years less than non-smokers and, according to the latest data from the NHS, 35% of all deaths from respiratory conditions can be attributed to smoking.”
But while the health implications may be known, giving up smoking is difficult. As cigarettes contain the highly addictive stimulant nicotine, smokers can experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, poor sleep and sickness when they attempt to quit.
“Quitting is incredibly hard, especially without support, as nicotine is very addictive,” says Emma. “The nicotine in tobacco gets rapidly into the brain and creates a need to continue to smoke. The falling level of nicotine then creates the urge to smoke. Controlling these urges is the key to being able to kick the habit.”
This story is from the March 11, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 11, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SEASONAL SHOPPING
Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy
THE ROYAL WEEK
Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot