National no smoking day is on Wednesday 13 March and smokers in South Yorkshire are being urged to think about the benefits of stopping smoking for good.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. National no smoking day aims to encourage smokers to quit smoking and start a healthier lifestyle.
Taking the decision to quit smoking will not only benefit the smoker but can benefit those around them.
Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve your health, and reduce the risk of developing dementia, heart disease, cancer, or stroke. Within weeks of stopping, people experience the health benefits of breathing easier and feeling fitter and can boost mental health and wellbeing.
The NHS stop smoking services are available to help current smokers achieve their goals of being smoke-free. They are staffed by expert advisers providing a range of proven methods to help people quit smoking for good.
The South Yorkshire QUIT Programme is a new initiative available to patients in hospitals, offering patients who smoke access to effective treatments and support as part of their routine care.
Dr David Crichton, Medical Officer from NHS South Yorkshire said “Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in England. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease and that can’t be right.
“The benefits from stopping smoking happen almost straight away. Reports suggest that after eight hours oxygen levels will return to normal, after a further two days; lungs will start clearing out smoking debris, after three days breathing can become easier, and within weeks your risk of a heart attack begins to reduce.
“Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do not just for your own health, but also for your family. I would encourage people who smoke to consider why you should quit – the benefits to your health and emotional wellbeing are huge. It sometimes takes several goes to achieve your goal!”
It's much easier to stop smoking with the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. More information and links for help, support and advice is available on the NHS BetterHealth website or you can call the free Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044
