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People’s thoughts turn towards New Year resolutions as 2010 comes to a close. In the main, folks make a conscious choice to improve their lives with a change for the better. Much of the time this could be the form of giving up a bad habit or determination to improve their health, through a variety of routes.

Twenty Two Percent of the United Kingdom’s adult population are estimated to be smokers, based on figures supplied by Cancer Research UK, but it is estimated three quarters of those smokers state that they want to give it up, so it is a very popular resolution. As tobacco is a renowned addictive substance, this can be extremely hard for a smoker to undertake, particularly if they are compulsive smokers, instead of irregular smokers. Here are a few tips to help you keep your resolution:

· If you tell your family and friends about your ambition, they will try your best to help you. If you try to go it alone, you will find it harder to keep to your resolution.

· The first month is the hardest, so if you have a particular routine associated with smoking then change it. If you usually smoke a cigarette as soon as you wake in the morning, then change this by making a healthy breakfast of a fruit smoothie or a herbal tea and low-fat cereal.

· Remember, smoking costs money and not just in the obvious expenses of buying cigarettes. Certain insurance companies offer discounts on private medical insurance policies to non-smokers – another good reason to forsake the habit.

· There are many products around designed to help you give up smoking. Don’t rely on willpower alone. Nicotine gum, skin patches, nasal sprays and inhalators are available widely. The National Health Service and unbiased advice centers offer counsel, personal success stories and tips to keep you on track.

· If you know someone who is planning to give up smoking as well, then buddy up to help each of you along. Accompany each other to gym glasses, share advice that work for you and they could be the friend to lean on when cravings threaten to undo all your best efforts.

If you are planning to quit smoking for your children’s benefit, your loved one or just for yourself, don’t forget – you are not wasting money, your attire, your body will smell cleaner and your wellbeing will perk up from your very first smoke-free day.