About 21% of Brits aged over 16 are smokers. And of those aged between 20 and 24, more than 30% smoke*. Although thousands of people in Essex have gone smokefree, there are still an estimated 68,000 smokers** in south east Essex with relatively high levels of lung cancer in south east Essex. In fact, smoking is the main cause of preventable disease and premature death in the UK.
To mark No Smoking Day NHS South East Essex is hosting an event at The Paddocks, Canvey Island on Wednesday 10 March, 9am-3pm to provide more information about how to successfully quit smoking.
Techniques for helping smokers to quit include behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy. Research shows that a smoker who tries to stop with support from their local NHS stop smoking services is four times more likely to succeed than someone relying on willpower alone.
Tony Mardle, Stop Smoking Manager at NHS South East Essex said:
“No Smoking Day is an anniversary for many successful quitters, it is hoped that more people in south east Essex will decide to use this day as a first step to kick their habit. Stopping smoking not only makes you healthier, but you’ll have more money, your clothes (and breath) won’t smell, you’ll look better and you’ll probably live longer.
We remain resolutely committed to helping people to quit. We understand how daunting it can be when thinking about quitting smoking, but we are here to help. Don’t forget evidence suggest you are four times more likely to successfully quit smoking if you give up with support from the NHS. Don’t be afraid to come along and find out more how we can help and support you to quit smoking.”
Smoking causes more than 80% of deaths from lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema (chronic breathing difficulty), and a quarter of deaths from heart disease. According to doctors, there’s hardly any part of your body that isn’t damaged by smoking. But if by stopping now, your risk of these and many other diseases will begin to decline.
Quitting smoking is one of the best health and beauty treatments, here is why:
SKIN
Smoking ages and dulls your skin by 10 years, giving you wrinkles. It can also treble your chances of developing psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
YOUR WAIST
Smoking makes you store weight around your waist. It also increases your risk of cellulite.
YOUR TEETH
The nicotine ends up staining your teeth yellow and puts you in line for gum disease and tooth loss.
YOUR HAIR
Smoking starves your hair of oxygen, making it lifeless and brittle.
YOUR SMELL
And smoking also leaves a stink on your breath, hair and clothes which is really hard to get rid of.
SEX
Smoking can create hormonal imbalances which decrease libido – so giving up smoking could improve your sex life!
YOUR PURSE
Giving up 20-a-day is the equivalent of a £42 a week pay rise. In six months you could save around £1092.
No Smoking Day’s top tips for successful quitting:
- Find a buddy who’s also going to stop smoking – it’s easier if you’ve got a friend
- Throw away ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes – you are no longer a smoker
- Patches and nicotine gum are a great way to stop the cravings – and available on prescription from your doctor.
- Enrol in a free NHS stop smoking course – contact your GP surgery for details of a local venue
- Avoid anyone who isn’t supporting your quit attempt
- Get out for a walk every time you feel tempted to smoke
- Join a gym and enjoy a healthy new you
- Fill the fridge with healthy, low calorie snacks like carrot sticks and celery so if you’re tempted to eat rather than smoke you won’t pile on the pounds
- Save the money you used to spend on cigarettes in a jar and treat yourself after a month: if you smoked 20 a day, you’ll have saved £182.
The NHS stop smoking service offers a wide range of services to help people quit smoking including a 7 week stop smoking programme and telephone support and advice. To contact the service, ring 01268 464511 or email: southessex.stopsmoking@nhs.net
For further information on smoking:
SOUTH EAST ESSEX SMOKING SERVICE
- Phone: 01268 464511
- or email: southessex.stopsmoking@nhs.net
Nationally
- NHS SMOKING HELPLINE: 0800 169 0 169
- QUITLINE: 0800 002 200
- NHS PREGNANCY SMOKING HELPLINE: 0800 169 9 169
- Or text* QUIT to 64446 and someone will call you back
Related News and Events:
- Essex No Smoking Day – Quit smoking with help from your local NHS
- Health Awareness Roadshow Coming To Southend – 5 June
- Launch of New Service For Essex Children With Disabilities
- Fun In The Sun At The Castle Point Borough Show
- Essex Asthma Service Shortlisted For National Award
