Put down the cigarettes

Quitting smoking? There’s an app for that

Quitting isn’t easy but there are a number of apps that can help. Photograph: Thinkstock
Quitting isn’t easy but there are a number of apps that can help. Photograph: Thinkstock

Kicking the smoking habit will have a huge impact on your health, your appearance and your wallet.

Smoking increases the risk of cancer, heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, cataracts and high blood pressure and causes coughing, yellow teeth and dull looking skin.

Quitting is not easy, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US suggests that people make a list of the reasons they want to live smoke-free lives and put it somewhere visible to remind them to stay strong.

If you are looking for support, your smartphone can help. Apps like QuitNow!, Smokefree and QuitIt give tips, daily messages of support and tailored advice for people who want to stop smoking. This article reviewed some of the options.