Swap ash for cash on No Smoking Day – “Yes we ‘Can, Can’!!”
Friday 6th March, 2009
Smokers in West Sussex will be given all the help they need to kick the habit for good next week to mark National No Smoking Day.
Throughout the week, specialist stop smoking advisors will be in town centres across the county offering information and advice to anyone who wants to go smokefree, and providing their own style of entertainment with the help of two local health advisors. Dressed up as ‘can can’ dancers Sam Dobbs and Denise Wild, who are based at Chichester University will be encouraging smokers they definitely ‘can’ stop smoking.
In addition to the health benefits of going smokefree, smokers will also be reminded of how much money they could save if they stop smoking this No Smoking Day. Research shows that an average family could save more than £2,000 per year if one just family member gave up smoking. Currently 42% of children in the UK live in a household where at least one person smokes.
The week’s events kick off on Tuesday when the team will be in Worthing, followed by Crawley on Wednesday - National No Smoking Day, and then Bognor Regis on Thursday.
As well as handing out leaflets about how to get more help, they'll also be able to test people's carbon monoxide levels and offer advice on the treatments which are available, such as nicotine replacement therapies.
Andy Vincent, Stop Smoking Service Manager in West Sussex, said: “Lots of people will use National No Smoking Day to make that decision to stop smoking and improve their health. It really is the single most important thing that any one can do for their own health and wellbeing, and their children’s. We hope everyone considering going smoke free will take the opportunity, come forward for support and find their local clinic.
“We want every smoker in West Sussex to know that help is available. Stopping smoking isn’t easy but is well worth it. Our advisors are there to offer help and support throughout the quitting process. If you are thinking about going smokefree do come forward for information this No Smoking Day, speak to your family doctor or find your local clinic - if you use nicotine replacement therapy products like patches and gum you will double your chances of success, and if you use specialist NHS Stop Smoking support you double them again.”
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 or call the local NHS Smoking Helpline 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 £176
- Last year, more than 4000 smokers stopped smoking with local NHS Stop Smoking Services in the West Sussex. Smokers wishing to join them can find out more by simply calling the NHS Smoking Helpline on 01903 708000.
Specialist Stop Smoking clinics are available in most GP surgeries and lots of pharmacies in West Sussex. There are groups in all the major towns and telephone support is also available if needed.
