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Free health checks for all 40-64 year olds.

Contains an A-Z of common health questions

Advice for young people

Discover the hidden harms second-hand smoke can do to your kids.

Smoking and your body

The effects of smoking on your health

We all know smoking can lead to all sorts of health problems. But did you know that when you smoke, you get less oxygen?  At the same time nicotine makes your heart beat faster and raises your blood pressure. Tar ends up in your lungs.

Why it's good to be a quitter

Over time, smoking obstructs or narrows the small airways in your lungs and destroys the air sacs there. It clogs your arteries and causes blood clots. But when you quit smoking, you cut your risk of everything from mouth ulcers and high blood pressure to stroke, heart disease and cancer.

Feel the benefit

Whatever your age, however long you've been a smoker, you'll start feeling better.  In fact, some of the benefits of stopping smoking are almost instant.  It won't take long before your heart can pump more blood around your body more easily.  And that means more oxygen.  When you quit, your body will thank you for it. You'll find your breathing improves, you're less likely to get colds and flu and you'll find physical activity much easier.

"I take myself off to the gym 3 or 4 times a week... I've been very conscious that smoking is the one thing that's holding me back ."

Mark Ferguson, ex-smoker