Quit smoking from your armchair
Tuesday 11th March, 2008
Cancer, premature tooth loss, asthma and smelly breath are just a few of the many health problems you will get when you smoke cigarettes.
On No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March), West Sussex PCT are asking people to bin the fags and sign up for support so they don’t become one of the 244 people who die each day from smoking.
Shockingly, if you smoke every day you are putting yourself at greater risk of oral cancer and at least 49 other diseases caused by tobacco use.
The Great No Smoking Day Challenge launched today is encouraging smokers across West Sussex to stay focused initially on a manageable target - the first week. The week-long challenge will help quitters develop the confidence so that they can go on to a smoke free life.
Amanda Colbourne, Stop Smoking Service Manager for West Sussex Primary Care Trust said, “We hope that many local smokers will take advantage of the Great No Smoking Day Challenge to make a fresh start. The Stop Smoking service has qualified NHS Stop Smoking Advisors who can offer free one-to-one appointments and drop-in services.”
West Sussex PCT are also offering a desktop quitting programme so smokers can get support from their armchair. The 12-week web based programme can be accessed at any time day or night offering personalised support based on age, gender and motivation for quitting. (The internet based programme can be accessed via the West Sussex PCT Website: www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk)
Amanda continued, “It doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked for, or how many you smoke – people who have smoked over 30 a day for 40 years have successfully stopped smoking through the service. The advisors are non-judgemental and will be delighted that you have been brave enough to take that first step towards stopping smoking. They offer Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other stop smoking aids on prescription.”
West Sussex Stop Smoking helpline is 01903 708000 for motivation, information and expert advice. More information can be found at www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk or www.nosmokingday.org.uk
