Giving Up Smoking

by Donna Milligan

Giving up smoking is never easy
The idea of quitting might make you queasy
But here are the benefits (there are plenty)
Try these facts for a little incentive!

Did you know that when you quit
Your body's recovery is quite quick
After one day your lungs start to clear
In two, the nicotine'll disappear

Then your senses of taste and smell
Will improve, you'll be able to tell
Breathing's easier, energy will increase
Physical cravings will soon cease

In two weeks your circulation improves
In a year your risk of heart attack moves
In ten years your risk of lung cancer will fall
To half that which a smoker has to endure

In fifteen years your heart attack risk
Will be as though you never even lit a cig'
So if you're wondering whether you can stop
Consider the facts, and give it a shot

You'll save yourself lots of money
Better still, you won't smell so crummy
Your life insurance will cost you less
And soon you'll feel at your best

Are there yellow stains on your teeth or fingers?
Do you notice the smell of tobacco just lingers?
You'd be able to taste your food and drink
If you gave up - doesn't this make you think?

Who wants to have to smoke all the time?
Life without tobacco is perfectly fine
It's never too late to quit the weed
Even if at first you don't succeed

So stop wasting money and ruining your health
Think about giving up, for your future self
Decrease your risk of a smoking-related complaint
It takes willpower, effort and a lot of restraint

There are lots of methods available to assist
Support groups, patches, gum - take your pick!
Speak to your GP if you need more information
He can help you on your way to smoking cessation

You know it makes sense, and follow the plan
To see how your body's recovering, you can
Notice the changes and see the effects
Feel proud of yourself, and have respect!

NB - this has been written by an ex smoker as proof that you can give up however hard it may seem! Not intended as a lecture!