Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Ireland, and long-term smokers have a life expectancy that's 10 years less than a non-smoker.

Smoking is also the top risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, chronic bronchitis or emphysema).

Quitting smoking will also help your general fitness, the appearance of your skin and teeth and could help your fertility.

As well as the health benefits we've already discussed, other areas of your life might get better if you quit smoking. You might find that:

• Finances improve - you could save the money you spent on cigarettes
• Food and drink taste and smell much better
• You're more confident in social situations because you won't smell of smoke any more

Quitting smoking will also help the health of those around you. By not exposing others to second-hand smoke, you'll reduce their risk of smoke-related illnesses.

Taking a treatment like Champix can help you quit smoking by reducing cravings. But it's not treatments alone that will help you quit for good. The most successful quitters have the motivation to stop. This willpower is especially important in social situations, if you're out with other people who are smoking.

Taking up a new hobby or making plans for when your 12-week course of Champix is over could help you stay focused.

With our online stop smoking service you can request a prescription for a four-week starter pack and our doctors will then review your progress. If appropriate they will then issue two further four-week course prescriptions through your Patient Record at no additional cost.