Promoting lung health on World No Tobacco Day

"We urge everyone to focus on exercise, eat a balanced diet and check that you are more informed about the state of your health," the foundation's Danaa Govendar says. 

It's World No Tobacco Day - as declared by the World Health Organisation. 

This year's campaign brings to the fore the negative impact tobacco has on lungs - that's a number of forms of cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation's Danaa Govendar says smokers should be wary of using electronic smoking devices - as alternatives. 

She says research on its long-term effects is still inconclusive. 

"Vaping has not been around long enough for studies to be conducted - which is scary. Even though electronic devices are said to be smokeless - they're not fully safe."  

Here are a few health benefits that kick in once you stop smoking - according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

• In 48 hours -  Nicotine is removed from the body and your sense of taste and smell greatly improves.
  
• In two to 12 weeks - Blood circulation improves and lung function increases by up to 30%.
  
• In a  year - the risk of heart disease falls by 50%. 
  
• In five years - the risk of mouth, throat, oesophagus, and bladder cancer are cut in half. The risk of cervical cancer and stroke return to normal.