Cigarette contains chemical such as tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine. The prime ingredients, tar and carbon monoxide are instigators of cardiovascular diseases and lung ailments. The cigarette's third main component, nicotine, affects the heart, lungs and stomach. There is definite evidence that this chemical effects the brain adversely in various ways. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Tobacco smoke is one of the six major controllable risk factors for heart disease (along with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight and physical inactivity). If you smoke and have high cholesterol, you have two major controllable risk factors you need to work on. Exposure to other people's smoke increases the risk of heart disease even for nonsmokers.

Smoking and tobacco-related health complications are the single largest cause of preventable, premature death. Estimates are clearing that cigarettes are responsible for over 400,000 deaths each year. Smoking causes a significant increase in the risk for cancer , chronic bronchitis, and emphysema as well as diseases of the heart and coronary arteries. In addition, smoking is a major contributory factor in the development of many other cancers. Beware.A smoke can cost the life of a loved one. Prolonged 'Passive Smoking' is known to cause lung cancer in a 'non-smoker'. Stop Smoking, don't delay it Chewing tobacco and using snuff also dramatically increase your risk for cancers of the mouth and throat. A smokers baby is more likely to be a victim of cot death and, in childhood, suffers more respiratory infections, glue ear and asthma. Smokers can successfully quit if they understand how to deal with their nicotine addiction, learn a relaxation technique to cope with their stress, get support from health professionals, family and friends and are able to change the behaviour and habits that are associated with smoking. Most long-term smokers are addicted to nicotine and will experience a craving to smoke and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop smoking. Such individuals find it very difficult to give up their smoking habit. They, with the help of health professionals can make use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy to quit smoking. But the majority of smokers can give up without any help from health professionals or drug therapy.

Prepare mentally before you stop smoking and understand what to expect :-

	Make a resolution to give up smoking.
	Think about why you want to quit and the benefits of quitting.
	Set a definite time to quit.Let it be today not the next day.
	Think ahead, how you are going to cope with craving or withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
	Visualise a change in your usual routine to avoid temptation and high-risk situations.
	Get all the support you can, from your loved ones.
	Understand that breaking habits take time and need regular practice.
	Be aware that there will be a constant temptation to go back and chances of a relapse. Think about the effort that has already been put in and don't look back.