Smoking
Smoking remains the biggest preventable cause of premature death in the UK today. Around half of all long-term smokers will die as a result of smoking.
Most tobacco users take up smoking as children and regret ever starting. The majority of smokers want to stop, but can find it hard as nicotine is as addictive as the drug heroin.
Visit the Smokefree website: http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree
The Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking
Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but it can drastically improve your life. Smoking increases your risk of developing cancer, heart and lung disease which can lead to illness, disability and death. The good news is that stopping now can reduce the likelihood that you will develop these diseases. Your friends and family will benefit when you stop smoking too, as secondhand smoke is also dangerous. You will be amazed at how much money you could save. You can find lots more information on the
NHS smokefree website.
Click here to access information on the effects smoking has on the human body.
What happens to your body when you have smoked your last cigarette? In this short animation watch the changes that take place, such as better breathing, improved circulation and reducing your chance of having cancer or heart attack.
Smoking is sometimes used to cope with the stress of having a mental health problem, to cope with being isolated and bored, to create a feeling of being in control, or to deal with financial difficulties. For people wanting to enjoy the health benefits of giving up, a range of Smoking Cessation Services are available locally, offering specialist support, either one-to-one or in a group, for those who need it. Exercise and healthy eating has also been linked to enhancing your chances of quitting. You can speak to your GP, pharmacist or visit the NHS Choices website for more information.
The Fresh Programme
From 1999 – 2011, more than 200,000 people quit through NHS Stop Smoking Services in the North East. The Fresh programme is based on an internationally established evidence base for tobacco control as advocated by the World Health Organisation, with the ultimate aim of saving lives through fewer people smoking.
Fresh say “Stopping smoking is probably the biggest step anyone can take to improve their health and long term health prospects. There are immediate and long-term benefits to be gained for the smoker and their family.” Read more here!
Tackling Illicit Tobacco
The North of England Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health Programme is a world-first. It brings together health and enforcement partners and combines their expertise to reduce the demand for and supply of illegal tobacco.
To report suspicious activity involving smuggled or fake cigarettes call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For further information go to www.illicit-tobacco.co.uk
Smoking and Pregnancy
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. The chemicals in cigarette smoke go into the baby’s bloodstream and can affect growth and development. Smoking when pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and cot death. It is never too late to stop smoking.
The NHS Pregnancy Smoking helpline is available Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and on weekends 11am to 5pm on 0800 169 9 169.
You may also find this website useful! www.nhs.uk/start4life