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Stop Smoking in October
| Author: AboutMyArea HeadOffice | Published: 1st October 2013 16:30 |
Smokers across Somerset are being urged to put the Stop in Stoptober this month.
Nearly 900 people in the County die each year from smoking related illness - about 17 people will die of smoking in Somerset this week.
County Councillors, fire-fighters and the Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service joined forces to launch the campaign to get smokers signed-up and ready to put a full stop to their habit as part of the nationwide initiative.
Stoptober is the UK's largest mass quit smoking attempt, spearheaded by Public Health England. From today, 1 October Somerset's smokers can join thousands across England taking part in this 28-day challenge to kick the habit.
Cllr Christine Lawrence, Chair of Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board at Somerset County Council, said: "If you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smoke-free and start to feel financial, physical and health benefits. These include a better sense of taste and smell and reduced risk of lung disease and heart disease."
Stewart Brock, Somerset Public Health Specialist, Somerset County Council, said: "66% of smokers want to quit but only a relatively few (38%) actually make an attempt. You are far more likely to quit if you book an appointment with your local NHS stop smoking service now and they can give you free advice and stop smoking materials to get you ready to stop smoking for the 28 day stop smoking campaign starting on 1 October".
Support is available from the Stoptober website www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober , including a Stoptober pack full of information and resources, a 28-day mobile phone app, and a 28-day text message service.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager, Matt Radford, said: "Every five days, someone dies from a fire caused by cigarettes or smoking materials. It's the biggest killer in accidental fires in the home across the country.
"Every smoker should wake up to the risks they take every time they light up, and drop the habit of smoking whilst in bed or under the influence of alcohol. The risk of falling asleep before you 'put it out, right out' is just too great."
To find out more about the services and options at Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service visit www.somersetstopsmoking.nhs.uk You can also give them a call on 0303 033 9840 for a chat to see how they can help or text MYQUIT to 80010.
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