Council backs No Smoking Day effort

In conjunction with the ‘Closing the Gap’ project, the Council is encouraging smokers in the Banbridge District to join millions of UK smokers preparing to break free from their smoking habit and escape their chains of addiction.

Council Health Inequalities Officer Alex McMeekin said: “Over two thirds of smokers would like to stop and many experience several quit attempts before becoming an ex-smoker. Smokers are up to four times more likely to quit smoking for good if they use a combination approach of specialist smoking cessation support and also medical products such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy or other prescribed forms.”

Council Tobacco Control Officer Marissa Slevin added: “Most adult smokers begin smoking at a young age, usually when they are in their early teens. However, the law stipulates that it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18.

“By complying with the law, retailers will help prevent young people from smoking and therefore avoid the serious health risks associated with smoking in later life. The facts about smoking are quite shocking.”

A lifelong smoker has a one in two chance of their addiction killing them. The younger a smoker starts, the more likely they are to be killed by their addiction.

Smokers who give up on ‘No Smoking Day’ will see some immediate health and financial benefits. If you seriously want to give up, get the right advice by calling your local free smoking cessation service on 0800 858585. You can double your chances of giving up by using nicotine replacement patches or gum. Write down all the reasons you want to stop and stick it on the fridge to help you stay motivated. Get a friend or family member to join you in giving up and keep each other motivated.

To find out more about the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s smoking cessation clinics call Valerie Gough on 3831 1487 or either Ciara O’Prey on 3831 7157.

See www.nosmokingday.org.uk or contact the Council’s Health Inequalities Officer on 07500 772905.