Smokers are being encouraged to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – called ‘Stoptober.'
We know that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree. Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.
Many famous faces, organisations, employers, East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Stop Smoking Servicesare supporting the campaign in a bid to get people to quit.
Stoptober includes a preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth information wheel. Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors and expert advice. This will include:
a Stoptober app (available via smartphone)
motivational text messages.
a Facebook page.
Register for the material and find more details online:
Stoptober website
Cllr Keith Glazier, the Lead Member for Public Health, said:
“This is an important campaign for the health of people in East Sussex. I hope smokers will get involved. I know that giving up smoking isn't easy, but with the help of Stoptober it can be achieved”.
Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health, for East Sussex, added:
“We want to help as many people as possible in East Sussexto become smokefree and we know how difficult trying to stop smoking can be for many people.
“Stoptober offers smokers a supportive and encouraging process to follow, to help become smokefree within a month. It encourages smokers to share their experiences and tap into all the social support that is available to help them in their quit attempt”.
As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those involved with 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 second-hand smoke.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in East Sussex. On average there are 1,040 smoking related deaths in the county each year.Smoking accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK and one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease.
Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days.
If you want additional support from your local NHS stop smoking services in East Sussex please call: 0800 917 8896
No comments:
Post a Comment