As the Government no longer plans to extend the smoking ban and protect children in public places and vehicles from the dangers of passive smoking, it’s time to take responsibility and stub that nub. The chemicals in tobacco damage your heart and blood vessels, more than doubling your risk of a heart attack and, with over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke; you’re putting your nearest and dearest at risk of heart disease too.

The following may help to encourage you to stop:

• Stress is often used as a reason to smoke but before you reach for that nicotine kick why not get active instead? Running, swimming and team sports, for example, are all great stress-busters and great for your heart and fitness too.
• Get people to sponsor you for not smoking and donate the money to a charity – it might be the motivation you need.
• Have you thought about the savings? Have some smoke-free fun in the sun instead - another great stress-reliever.
• Don’t miss out on your nutrients - vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your heart, but smoking breaks this down, so you absorb less.
• You’re not alone – there are plenty of friendly support groups out there. Make contact with your GP or NHS quit smoking service.
• It’s never too late to stop – you could halve your risk of a heart attack.
• Be realistic and set yourself small goals each month. Setting your aims too high could make you less likely to succeed.

You only have one heart – make it a healthy one and kick that habit today for a healthier heart for you and your family.

This content is provided by Heart Research UK working in partnership with Sovereign Health Care. The charity currently funds over £4m of research projects at 31 hospitals and universities across the UK and funded six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants. Sovereign Health Care is proud to support Heart Research UK through donations from The Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust. If you would like to add your own support you can visit their site www.heartresearch.org.uk