Free support and stop smoking aids such as patches, gum and inhalators are being made available free of charge to people in Stone looking to quit smoking.
The support is being offered as part of Stoptober, the national quit smoking campaign which runs throughout October.
This year’s theme is ‘When you stop smoking, good things start to happen’ and Staffordshire County Council’s Public Health team, along with Everyone Health Staffordshire, are reminding people about the available free help.
The Everyone Health service offers 12 weeks of one-to-one telephone support or face-to-face sessions at venues across Staffordshire. Advice on managing cravings and access to free stop smoking aids (nicotine replacement therapy) are included in the free support.
Paul Northcott, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Support Member for Public Health, said:
“We know that giving up smoking isn’t easy, but as Stoptober reminds us, good things happen as soon as you quit.
“And, as well as the good things that happen to your health, it’s also good for your wallet. The average smoker spends over £4,000 a year on smoking. Imagine the fantastic holiday that would buy you.
“We know from previous campaigns that people who give up for Stoptober are five times more likely to quit for good, so it’s a great time to have a go. I would definitely encourage anyone wanting to quit to contact Everyone Health Staffordshire, who has a proven track record in helping people. Last year, they helped almost 1,500 people to make a quit attempt.”
Former smoker Suzanne from Uttoxeter managed to quit smoking thanks to the support from Everyone Health Staffordshire.
Suzanne said:
“The help I got from my advisor was fantastic and I wouldn’t have done it without the support of the service.
“I felt like it wasn’t just me I was doing it for and didn’t want to let anyone down. My advice to anyone who is looking to give up smoking is to contact the service, you have more chance of succeeding and I am proof of that.”
The annual campaign also points out that while smoking rates have declined in recent years, more than five million people in England still smoke. Smoking also remains the single most significant cause of preventable illness and death.
Chris Speed, Senior Stop Smoking Practitioner from Everyone Health Staffordshire, said:
“Our service is designed to help people quit smoking for good, not just in the short term and is available to Staffordshire residents aged 18 and over.
“We offer free, one-to-one telephone support and face-to-face appointments. Our practitioners have great tips on how to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms and advice on stop smoking aids. All stop smoking aids that we provide are free of charge, so it’s a great opportunity to try and quit.”
People can read more about the support and get in touch on the Everyone Health website or call 0333 005 0095.
What happens when you quit?
The sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good.
After 20 minutes
Check your pulse rate; it will already be starting to return to normal.
After 8 hours
Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide levels in your blood will have reduced by half.
After 48 hours
All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus, and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
After 72 hours
If you notice that breathing feels more effortless, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also, your energy will be increasing.
After 2 to 12 weeks
Blood will pump through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will improve.
After 3 to 9 months
Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will improve as your lung function increases by up to 10%.
After 1 year
Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
After 10 years
More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
