Stuart GouldenSmokers in York are being invited to join a 28-day quitting challenge next month as part of the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.
It’s widely reported that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober is offering to lead smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal. Many famous faces, local organisations, and City of York Council staff are taking part with support coming in the shape of a daily motivational text messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via a Stoptober smartphone app.
As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28-day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.
Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their secondhand smoke.
Smoking is one of the biggest cause of premature death in York and each year it accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK and one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Strategy said: “This campaign aims to give everyone who wants to stop smoking as much support as possible to succeed and I wish them all every success: kicking the habit is a win for people’s health, wealth and self confidence.”
Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, City of York Council’s director for Public Health said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in York and each year, one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease. I urge smokers to join Stoptober and reap the benefits as soon as possible.”
Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.
