|
17% of adults continue to
smoke in Southport
THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is
encouraging smokers in Southport to visit their local stop smoking services
ahead of this year's No Smoking Day on 11 March 2015. The charity's latest
figures show that around 17% of adults in Southport smoke; the national average
is 18%. Studies have found that smokers are four times more likely to succeed in
quitting with help from NHS stop smoking services than if they go it alone.
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said:- "Smoking
increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers.
The good news is that stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for
your heart health and the risk to your overall health decreases significantly
soon after you stop. We're encouraging smokers to visit their GP,
pharmacist or local stop smoking advisor to receive resources, information, and
advice on quitting smoking. Getting prepared for your quit attempt is the 1st
step on the journey towards a smoke free life. Join the nearly one million
smokers who will make an attempt this No Smoking Day, and make 11 March 2015 the
day you start to stop."
While the damage smoking does to physical health is well known, there is little
known about the impact of smoking on those closest to smokers. A new survey for
No Smoking Day was commissioned to shine a light on the devastating impact that
smoking has on people's relationships, in addition to the well known damage it
does to people's health. The survey found that 66% of smokers in the UK have
argued with a loved one about their habit. Smokers are most likely with their
loved ones about the risks to their health (50%) and the financial cost (45%),
followed by the smell (32%). It's no surprise that smoking can put a strain on a
relationship. A smoker with a 20 a day habit will spend an average of £255 a
month on cigarettes. Smokers should also be aware that their habit could
negatively impact the health of their loved ones. Dr Mike Knapton commented:-
"Passive smoke is a cause of short and long term illness in others and is
particularly harmful to children; especially in enclosed spaces. It can lead to
an increased risk of heart disease, and other health problems such as asthma and
meningitis. Nearly 70% of the smoke that causes damage is invisible, and opening
a window does not protect others from the harmful effects of passive smoke. We
believe that the single most effective way of reducing loved one's exposure to
passive smoke is for people to quit."
The BHF offers these top 5 tips to help you quit
smoking:-
► Make a date to give up - and stick to it! This year's No Smoking Day is
Wednesday, 11 March 2015.
► Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop
smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before
the date you plan to stop.
► Get support and let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some
people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be
helpful. You can also talk to local smoking cessation team.
► Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine,
and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
► Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you're saving by not smoking to buy
yourself something special.
To receive information and support on stopping smoking visit:-
nosmokingday.org.uk and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NoSmokingDay. |
