October 1, 2012
Could you quit smoking for 28 days?
As part of the Department of
Health's Stoptober campaign, we're urging smokers to give quitting
a go this October.
Why 28 days? Research shows those who stop smoking for 28 days
are five times more likely to stay smoke free.
Smokers can get support and encouragement through the
Stoptober website, sign up
for a daily messaging service to help them quit, and go
to roadshows around the country.
Not only are there financial benefits of
quitting, individuals will also experience physical improvements
including a better sense of smell, taste and more
energy. Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their
risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting those
around them from secondhand smoke.
Our Senior Cardiac Nurse, Maureen Talbot, said: “The benefits of
quitting are enormous. Stopping smoking is the single best
thing you can do for your own health as well as those you
love and live with. Quitting also makes you look better by
improving your skin and teeth and, of course, it helps your
finances too.
“About two thirds of smokers say they want to quit, so Stoptober
provides a great opportunity to join thousands of people in the
same situation and ditch the cigarettes for
good.”
A Stoptober smartphone app is available and the
Stoptober Facebook page
also has additional tips and advice. And look out for the
giant Stoptober wheel throughout the month.
Backing the scheme the Government’s
most senior health advisor, Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame
Sally Davies, said: “Smoking is still the biggest cause of
premature death in England, taking more than 100,000 lives in the
UK every year. This is the first time that we have launched a
mass quit attempt like Stoptober. I would
encourage people who want to quit to get involved."
Working with No Smoking Day, we aim to
reduce tobacco-related death and illness by motivating smokers to
quit together on No Smoking Day. We also provide year-round help
and support for quitters through WeQuit.co.uk. But we need your help to continue this life-saving work.
Donate today