Quit Smoking
The numbers of students choosing to quit smoking during their studies is steadily increasing. Many feel that the habit is expensive, bad for their health, and that it begins to limit the places that they go to socialise, for example many realise that they are choosing to buy their morning coffee from outlets where they are allowed to smoke, regardless of whether their friends have chosen to go somewhere else.
The negative impact of smoking on health is widely known, however as well as reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and other serious conditions, there are a wide range of lesser known benefits to quitting. These include a clearer complexion due to better circulation (which will also help your fingers, toes and limbs feel warmer during the long British winter), whiter teeth, better smelling breath, sharper senses and higher energy levels while coughing, blocked sinuses and phlegm in the throat are reduced.
If you would like to quit smoking while at the LSE there are a number of places you can go for help. A good place to start looking for extra information is the NHS 'Don't Give Up Giving Up' site www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
. You should also talk to your GP as they are now able to prescribe medications such as patches to make quitting more affordable.
A number of our students have also found smoking cessation workshops helpful. Westminster Primary Healthcare Trust runs these free of charge. For more information visit http://www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/smokingcessation.htm .
