VILLAGE
Leland, NC 28451
Benefits After You Stop Smoking
Your Health
The health benefits of stopping smoking start almost immediately. Just After...
20 minutes:
Blood pressure and pulse return to normal
8 hours:
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are halved, oxygen levels in the blood return to normal
24 hours:
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body and the lungs start to clear out the build up of tar
48 hours:
There is no nicotine left in the body. Taste and smell are greatly improved
72 hours:
Breathing becomes easier, bronchial tubes begin to relax, energy levels increase
2 - 12 weeks:
Circulation improves, making walking and running a lot easier
3 - 9 months:
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as the lungs have room for up to 10% more oxygen
1 year:
Risk of heart attack is halved
10 years:
Risk of lung cancer is halved
10 years:
Risk of heart attack is at the same level as non-smokers
Medium to long-term:
Risk of developing lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic lung disease is reduced the sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your risk starts going down
Stopping smoking at any age increases your life expectancy, provided that you stop before the onset of serious disease. Even if you have developed a disease, you can benefit from stopping as your body will be under less strain and be able to fight it more easily
A smoker who has suffered from a heart attack can halve the risk of a second heart attack by stopping smoking
Ten years after quitting smoking an ex-smoker's risk of lung cancer is reduced by 30 - 50% compared with that of a continuing smoker
Smokers who stop before the age of 35 have a life expectancy not significantly different from that of a non-smoker
Smokers who give up smoking between 65 and 74 years of age have a better life expectancy beyond 75 than those who continue to smoke
For your daily life,
Reduces stress
Makes any physical activity easier
You don't tire as quickly
Your sense of taste and smell improve
Your skin is improved
Other Great Benefits
Better looking skin, eyes and hair
Within days of stopping smoking your hair won't smell of stale smoke, your eyes will be less red and sore and your skin will be looking brighter as your circulation improves.
Improved fitness
Your energy levels will soon soar when you quit smoking, making it easier to run for the bus or play sports with your friends.
A better sense of taste
Rediscover the taste of your favorite foods as your taste buds kick back in after you give up smoking!
More time
It takes about 10 minutes to smoke a cigarette so a 10-a-day smoker can save nearly 2 hours a day when they quit. That's enough time to watch a new blockbuster at the cinema! Over the course of a year, you can claim back a month of lost time!
Improve confidence
Many smokers are shocked to find how quickly they get hooked on smoking. Stopping is a real achievement and can give you a real boost in confidence and self-esteem.
Better job prospects
Quitting can improve your chances of getting a new job as employers can employ only non-smokers if they wish. In many countries workplaces are already smoke-free and all enclosed workplaces will be smoke free soon. Now is a great chance to plan ahead and quit in time for the legislation.
Financial Cost of Smoking*
No of Cigarettes
20
40
60
Daily Cost
$5.25
$10.50
$21.00
Weekly Cost
$36.75
$73.50
$110.25
Monthly Cost
$157.50
$315.00
$472.50
Yearly Cost
$1911.00
$3822.00
$5733.00
*Based on the average cost of $5.25 per 20 pack. Data from:
Stopping smoking isn't about losing something, it's about gaining a lot!
The benefits of stopping smoking soon start adding up…
Have you ever thought of using the same amount for a better choice?
1 day: a movie rental or a magazine
1 week: a CD to add to your music collection
1 month: a shopping spree or the monthly food bill
3 months: a few days in the sun or a weekend get-away
6 months: a vacation or some new furniture
1 year: a down payment on a car or the start of a savings account for a house
When you have quit smoking you have better health, and you are in control of your lifestyle, and last but not least better off financially. You can, for example, put your cigarette money in an "ashcash-box" and spoil yourself from time to time. Now you can afford a better holiday, a night out at a restaurant, some new clothes, a computer game or... You'll also save money in other ways. Life, fire and car insurance can all be cheaper when you quit.
It has been argued that smoking does have some benefits. The most common benefits that people believe are that smoking is good for stress relief, weight control and increased concentration.
Smoking helps me relieve stress...
One of the most common reasons people give for continuing to smoke or for going back to smoking after stopping is to relieve stress. The reality is that smokers tend to report higher levels of stress than non-smokers. After stopping smoking the level of stress in former smokers drops significantly. When you stop smoking it may feel like you are more stressed as a result of not smoking. For the first few weeks you are likely to experience mood swings and be irritable. The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and these are withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are likely to last up to four weeks and you can help manage these by using laser therapy.
Smoking helps me stay thin...
On average, smokers do weigh less than non-smokers. When you stop smoking the typical weight gain is around 2-3 kg. The nicotine from smoking acts as an appetite suppressant and smoking also increases the rate at which your body burns calories. Smokers will often replace cigarettes with snacking when stopping smoking. People often believe that smoking will help them to control their weight and be healthier. However, the risks of continuing to smoke far outweigh those from minor weight gain.
Does smoking help protect me against Alzheimer's?
It has been suggested that smoking can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, this has been largely dismissed by experts and the evidence is now suggesting that smoking increases your risk of dementia. More information can be found from the Alzheimer's Association.
Is it better for me to switch to light, mild or low tar cigarettes?
We all know which cigarette packs are supposed to be light or mild, even if it no longer says on the packet. For years smokers have seen these products as a 'healthier' alternative to smoking 'full strength' cigarettes. Research shows that smokers of 'light' or 'mild' brands are likely to inhale as much tar and nicotine as smokers of regular cigarettes. This means they can take in as many cancer-causing poisons as smokers of regular cigarettes. In simple terms, 'low tar' cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes.
Is cutting down a good idea?
Many people believe that cutting down is a good way to reduce the health risk from smoking. This might include smoking fewer cigarettes, switching to lower strength brands or switching to alternatives to cigarettes such cigars or pipe smoking. There is evidence to show that when people smoke fewer cigarettes they tend to smoke them harder to compensate for this thus there is no real health benefit. There is no evidence that merely cutting down as a strategy to stop makes a quit attempt more likely to succeed. The only way to really reduce the risks from smoking is to stop completely.
Just one won't hurt…
It is very easy to get tempted into having just one cigarette once you have stopped. DON'T DO IT! This is one of the easiest ways to get back into smoking. If you really are desperate for 'just one' you should consider avoiding the places and situations where you find temptation. It may also help to call the Anne Penman Help-line and talk to one of our technicians who will give you advice to help deal with the temptations.
What if I get addicted to Anne Penman Therapy?
There is no evidence to suggest you could become addicted to Laser Therapy. There are no drugs or addictive chemicals involved in the program.
My Gran is 90 years old and smoked all her life…
There is always the story about the 90 year old whose secret to long life is 20 cigarettes a day and a tot of brandy before bed. Chances are that their long life has absolutely nothing to do with smoking. The fact is that half of all smokers will die as a result of smoking. Of the other half, some might live to an old age. However, you are far more likely to live longer if you don't smoke. Even if you are lucky enough to escape fatal illness, smoking still increases signs of aging, the chance of impotence and blindness and a whole range of nasty ailments that could make your golden years very unpleasant.
It can't hurt me now, I'm only young...
The younger you stop smoking, the more chance you have to benefit later. After stopping smoking it can take 15 years to totally reduce your risk of a heart attack to that of a non-smoker so the sooner you stop the more likely you are of reclaiming benefits over time. For a list of all the benefits of stopping over time see our benefits of stopping page.
Roll ups, Cigars and Pipes are OK?
Some people think that changing to a roll-up cigarette can help them to stop smoking, or reduce the harmful effects of smoking. Evidence suggests that smoking roll ups is actually more dangerous. Roll-ups burn at a higher temperature than manufactured cigarettes. They also go out more, requiring re-lighting. These factors mean that you are getting higher doses of harmful smoke each time you inhale. Major studies of pipe and cigar smokers have shown that cigar smokers have double the risk of lung cancer than non-smokers Pipe smokers are eight times more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers. Which ever way you smoke your risk of fatal disease is significantly higher than that of a non-smoker.
The answers to frequently asked questions can be found below. If your question is not listed or you need further clarification please submit your questions by filling in the form below. The answers will be posted here as soon as possible.
What is Anne Penman Laser Therapy?
Anne Penman Laser Therapy combines laser therapy, guidance and continued individual support. The program involves the application of a cold, non-invasive pain-free laser beam to specific energy points to help stimulate the release of endorphins, which help relieve discomfort and stress associated with giving up smoking.
How can Laser Therapy help me stop smoking?
It is believed that nicotine releases endorphins, which give the smoker a sense of relaxation. When smoking stops, the sudden drop in endorphin levels can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Laser Therapy helps stimulate endorphin levels to help reduce cravings, stress, and restore balance to the body.
Where is the laser applied?
The laser is applied to specific energy points on the hands, ears, nose and wrists.
How long does the treatment session last?
The first treatment session lasts approximately one hour. Follow-up support sessions last 30 minutes. The treatment includes a Telephone Hot Line for back-up support.
I have been smoking for over 30, 40, 50 years, will this work for me?
Regardless of how long you have been a smoker or how many you smoke, this program can help. The most important thing is that you want to stop.
Are there any side effects resulting from the laser therapy?
The laser is completely safe and has no adverse side effects. Most clients feel very relaxed during and after the treatment.
I would like to give Laser Therapy to my friend/family member in a gift voucher, is that a good idea?
Yes, but allow them to make their own appointment and arrange the best time for them to stop smoking.
Is the program guaranteed?
The Anne Penman Laser Therapy Program is highly successful, it combines laser, guidance and continued support but because each client is different, and each person's addiction is unique to them, this process cannot be guaranteed.
Do you consider your program better than other stop-smoking solutions on the market (including patches, gums, etc.)?
There are millions of smokers in the world and very few solutions available to help. We believe our program offers a combination of laser therapy guidance and back up support that can really help smokers stop and stay smoke free. We support all methods
I have, in vain, made several attempts to quit smoking. I feel I will never be able to quit smoking. Can I really stop smoking with the help of Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program?
Most smokers who successfully stop smoking have tried to quit several times before. It is important for you to choose the best method for you to quit smoking. We believe that if you are determined and motivated about quitting there is nothing to prevent you doing so. Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program is unique to you in fully supporting you with your physiological and psychological aspects of addiction.
How many laser therapy sessions will I need?
One main session and a support session within 72 hours is enough for the majority of our clients. Our program also includes more support sessions if needed in the future which are designed to support your needs.
I have been smoking for 50 years, 2 packs per day. Will this method help me?
It is not important for us how many years and how many packs per day you smoked. What is important for us is your commitment and motivation. The founder, Anne Penman, used to smoke 3 packs daily for 20 years. And after only one laser session she quit in 1991 and hasn't smoked since.
I want to quit smoking but I am afraid of gaining weight. Will I gain weight if I quit smoking using your program?
There is no rule that everybody who quits will gain weight. It depends on the person's psychological and physiological situation. The Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program is designed to help you quit smoking more easily without gaining weight. Laser therapy can be used to help control your appetite and with the support and guidance of your technician, you make any necessary lifestyle changes to help you achieve success.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my therapy?
No, we suggest you smoke your last cigarette just before you have your first laser therapy session.
Do I have to have an appointment?
It is advisable to make an appointment. If you come without an appointment we will be glad to help you if our appointment schedule permits.
Can I bring my children?
We do not recommend you bring your children. There can be only you and our technician in our treatment room. This is your time to relax and focus on the program.
Can I keep my mobile phone on during the therapy session?
Your full concentration is crucial for the therapy session to be successful. Mobile phones are not allowed in the treatment rooms. You can switch it off or hand it over to our receptionist.
Can your program be used with other methods?
Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program is a unique program that helps you in every aspect of smoking cessation and you will not need to use any other method. However, if you want to use other methods with ours there is nothing to prevent you from doing so.
I want to quit smoking but my spouse smokes as well. Will this make it more difficult for me to quit smoking?
It would be wonderful to have the support of family, friends, acquaintances, and work colleagues but if they cannot support you, remember we are there for you.
Is Anne Penman Laser Therapy a new method?
Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program started in the UK in 1992. It is now available in Europe and the USA. The program has helped thousands of smokers to quit.
What is the difference between Anne Penman Programs and the other methods?
Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program was developed to help you deal with the physiological and psychological addiction of smoking. The other alternative methods are not necessarily concerned with both. Moreover, the majority do not include continuous support and motivation mechanisms. Anne Penman has designed and developed her smoking cessation program around all the needs of a person who wants to stop smoking.
Is this method applicable to everyone? (What are the contraindications?)
The Anne Penman Stop Smoking Program cannot be used for those who are
Pregnant
Under 18 years of age
Epileptic (unless they have a letter from their doctor)
Got more questions or want more information? Give us a call or shoot us an email! We're happy to answer any and all questions you may have.