Oxfordshire organisation on kicking the habit
Around 64,000 people smoke locally
An Oxfordshire organisation helping people quit smoking says it's never too late to kick the habit.
It's as around 64,000 people smoke cigarettes in Oxfordshire - despite the South East having the lowest prevalence of smokers.
Ian from Stop For Life Oxon had this to say about the struggles trying to give up:
"Smoking can easily become engrained in the ways of our lives.
"This makes stopping incredibly hard. It's not just the addictive nature of cigarettes and nicotine.
"It's the behavioural links of smoking and how it affects our lifestyle day to day and what we do. That impacts totally our attempts to quit.
Ian goes on to say that one of the key things to embark on, when it comes to quitting, is to have a plan.
Scientifically, he says, benefits can be felt in as little time as a single day:
"Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of combusting tobacco. By smoking, you'll have this in your bloodstream.
"It will limit the oxygen that can get into your body. You'll feel tired and breathless.
"However, this will leave your system in 12 to 24 hours following your last cigarette. Therefore in a day or two you'll starting breathing more easily."
Stop for Life Oxon is a free support service commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council.
They offer specialist advice and guidance as part of its wider Tobacco Control Strategy.