Why?
Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. It can also improve overall physical fitness, increase energy levels, improve lung function, and reduce the risk of premature death. Additionally, quitting smoking can lead to improved mental health, an improved sense of smell and taste and financial savings
Quitting smoking can have immediate positive effects on the body. Within the first 24 hours of quitting, the levels of carbon monoxide in the blood start to decrease, which can lead to improved oxygen levels. In the following days and weeks, the body starts to repair itself and various systems, such as the respiratory and circulatory systems, begin to function better. After a year of being smoke-free, heart disease and stroke risks are reduced significantly.
Health benefits of quitting
You will start seeing health benefits soon after you smoke your last cigarette.
After quitting, within:
- 20 minutes – your blood pressure drops to a level similar to what it was before your last cigarette.
- 8 hours – the level of carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) in your blood drops to normal.
- 24 hours – your risk of having a heart attack starts to drop
- 2 weeks to 3 months – the airways in your lungs relax and you can get more air into your lungs and breathe easier
- 1 to 9 months – you cough less and your lungs work even better.
- 1 year – your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s
- 5 years – you have the same chance of having a stroke as a non-smoker
- 10 Years – your chance of dying from lung cancer is much lower. So is your chance of getting cancer in your mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and/or pancreas
- 15 Years – your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker
It also has a number of benefits beyond just improved health, including
- Financial savings: Smoking can be expensive, and quitting can lead to significant financial savings.
- Improved sense of smell and taste: After quitting, people often report an improved sense of smell and taste, making food and other experiences more enjoyable.
- Better oral health: Smoking can lead to tooth and gum problems, and quitting can lead to improved oral health.
- Increased energy: Many people who quit smoking report increased energy levels and improved physical fitness.
- Better appearance: Smoking can stain teeth and fingers, and lead to wrinkles, quitting can improve skin health and appearance.
- Better overall quality of life: Quitting smoking can lead to improved mood, increased self-esteem, and a sense of pride in taking control of one’s health.
- Improved indoor air quality: Second-hand smoke can harm those around you, quitting smoking can improve indoor air quality and protect others from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Ontario Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Program
The Ontario Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Program is a program in Ontario, Canada aimed at helping people quit smoking. The program provides support and resources to help smokers quit, including access to nicotine replacement therapies (such as nicotine gum or patches) and counselling. The program is provided through participating pharmacies and is available to all Ontario residents who are 18 years of age or older and who smoke or use tobacco products. The program is free, and the goal is to help people quit smoking and improve their overall health and well-being. Through the program, pharmacists can provide one-on-one support, information on quitting smoking, and referrals to other resources and support services as needed.
Pharmacists play an important role in the Ontario Pharmacy Smoking Cessation Program. They can help in several ways, including
1- Providing information and support: Pharmacists can provide information on quitting smoking, including the benefits of quitting, how to quit, and the various treatments and therapies available. They can also provide one-on-one support and advice, as well as offer referrals to other support services.
2- Assessing readiness to quit: Pharmacists can help individuals assess their readiness to quit smoking, and provide information and support to help them make a plan to quit.
3- Offering nicotine replacement therapies: Pharmacists can provide nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine gum or patches, and provide advice on how to use them effectively.
4- Monitoring progress: Pharmacists can monitor the progress of individuals using nicotine replacement therapies, and provide support and advice as needed.
5- Encouraging adherence: Pharmacists can help individuals stick to their quit plan and provide encouragement and support along the way.
By working closely with individuals who are trying to quit smoking, pharmacists can play an important role in helping them achieve their goal of being smoke-free.
Who is eligible?
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Recipients
The program is designed to help individuals quit smoking, and is available to anyone who is interested in quitting, regardless of their current smoking status. Some programs may also have specific eligibility criteria, such as being a resident of a certain area or meeting certain income requirements. It is best to check with a participating pharmacy to confirm eligibility and to get more information on the program.
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