Quit Smoking: After nine months, the delicate, hair-like structures inside the lungs, known as cilia, have recovered from the damage of cigarette smoke.

Quit Smoking: To be successful, smokers that want to quit need to have a plan in place to beat cravings and triggers.

Quit Smoking: Try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Any form of NRT – gum, inhaler or patches – increases the success rate of a smoking cessation programme.

Quit Smoking: Set a date for the day you will stop. Write a ‘quit date contract’ that includes your signature and that of a supportive witness.

Quit Smoking: Switch to decaf until you’ve been cigarette-free for two months. Too much caffeine while quitting can cause the jitters.

Quit Smoking: Don’t despair if you fail. Examine the reasons why you felt it was more difficult at that particular time.