Regardless of how young or old you are, it is never too late to quit smoking. Here are some of the benefits of stopping smoking:

o Your breathing improves.

o Infections and chest colds become less frequent.

o Reduced 'smoker's cough'.

o The smell of stale tobacco goes away from your breath and clothes.

o Foods and drinks will taste and smell much better.

o Your finances will improve.

o You'll feel much better about yourself.

So how can you stop smoking?

About two-thirds of smokers want to quit smoking. While some people find that they can give up easily, most cannot. It will require a lot of willpower and determination, which are the two most important aspects when giving up smoking.

Here are some Quitting Tips:

Set a date for quitting. If possible, have someone that you know quit smoking with you.

Take notice when and why you smoke. Try to find things in your daily life that you often do while smoking (such as drinking your morning cup of coffee, etc). Find a substitute to do at those times.

When you want a cigarette, wait a little while. Try to think of something to do instead of smoking; you might chew gum or drink a glass of water.

Just before your stop date, get rid of all of your cigarettes, matches, lighters and ashtrays.

Get your family's support and encouragement.

Learn how to deal with stress and the urge to smoke. When you get that urge to smoke (and you will), drink some water. Relax by taking a hot shower, going for a walk, or some other activity that will help relieve stress.

Get medication and use it properly. Statistics reveal that using one of these roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking.

Give yourself rewards for stopping smoking. For example, with the money you save by not smoking, buy yourself something special.

Keep at it. Many ex-smokers did not succeed at first, but they tried again and again. The first few days after stopping will probably be the most difficult. Show yourself and your loved ones that you care. Life's too good and too short to waste on a smoking habit.