As thousands of Australian smokers are getting ready to quit for New Year’s Eve, smokers over 35- years-old are reminded it’s never too late to quit.

According to Professor David Hill, Chair of the National Tobacco Campaign Research and Evaluation Committee, “If you quit before the age of 35, you have a life expectancy similar to that of non-smokers.

So no matter how old you are, there are good reasons to give up this New Year.”

“The health benefits of quitting start within two hours of giving up.”

If you quit at midnight on New Year’s Eve, by 2am nicotine will be out of your system.

And the really good news is that one year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease is down to almost half that of a smokers.

After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer is halved” Professor Hill says.

“Within three months you should start to feel the difference as your lungs start to work better as the cilia (hair-like cleaning system in the lungs) will start to recover and remove the mucus in your lungs.

You’ll find that the exercising and activities like climbing stairs or running for a bus will be much easier,” says Professor Hill.

If you are thinking of quitting, New Year’s is the time to make sure you’re well prepared and have a plan in place to quit smoking.

According to Professor Hill a visit to a General Practitioner, pharmacist, or other health care professional for advice and help can support you in your quit attempt.

“Long term quitting success rates are increased when cessation products are combined with counselling, education, and interventions by GPs and pharmacists,” says Professor Hill.

Professor Hill reminds smokers that it often takes a number of attempts to quit and advice and support from their GP can help them succeed.

“Because doctors often see their patients over a long period of time, they are well placed to provide ongoing support and advice.”

The following key steps will also make it easier for smokers to quit.

• set the date - make New Year your quit date

• understand your addiction - nicotine is a stimulant that your body becomes addicted to over time. Remember you may feel cravings but every craving will only last a few minutes

• Identify your smoking patterns - when do you smoke the most? Plan other things to do instead of smoking

• Change your habits - don’t smoke at the usual times or in the usual places

• Get support - tell your family and friends that quitting is your New Year’s resolution.