A Smoke-free 2018
10th January 2018
10th January 2018
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess your health and make moves to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. If you’re a smoker, why not commit to a smoke-free 2018?
Millions of people experience health problems caused by smoking. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes overall health.
It can cause heart disease, lung disease, osteoporosis and cataracts. It can also lead to premature death. Of these premature deaths:
Studies have shown that quitting at around age 30, reduces the chance of dying from smoking-related disease by more than 90%. If you quit at around age 50, you reduce the risk of dying prematurely by 50%.
“The battle against smoking is far from over. It is still the country’s biggest killer, causing 79,000 deaths a year.”
Even those who quit at around age 60 or older, live longer than those who continue to smoke. What’s more, you’ll experience health benefits from being a non-smoker as quickly as 20 minutes after you quit!
Data published in a University College of London (UCL) report at the end of last year, showed that smoking quitting success rates were at their highest for at least a decade – up to 19.8% for the first half of 2017 – significantly higher than the average for the last 10 years (15.7%).
Success rates among the less well-off have for years remained consistently low, but in a major turnaround the sharp increase in success rates is being seen entirely among this group.
For the first time, smokers in manual occupational groups have virtually the same chances of quitting as those in white collar jobs.
The UCL report gave several reasons why there’s never been a better time to quit, including:
“E-cigarettes are now the most popular way to quit in the country with half of all those taking part in Stoptober using an e-cigarette.”
E-cigarettes are the most popular quitting method in England and local stop smoking services are the most effective way to give up, with those who combine the two having some of the highest success rates. Last year over half (53%) of all those taking part in Stoptober opted to use an e-cigarette as a quitting aid.
Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at PHE said: “E-cigarettes are now the most popular way to quit in the country with half of all those taking part in Stoptober using an e-cigarette. The evidence is clear – vaping is much less harmful than smoking, a fraction of the risk. So, if you’ve struggled with quitting before, an e-cigarette may be the best option for you.”
Professor Gina Radford, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, adds: “The battle against smoking is far from over. It is still the country’s biggest killer, causing 79,000 deaths a year. For every death, another 20 smokers are suffering from a smoking-related disease. Far too many people are still dying as a result of smoking but there has never been a better time to quit. The culture has changed, strong legislation is in place and effective support is available.”
At Imperial Pharmacy in The Pantiles, they understand how difficult it can be to conquer the craving and addiction that comes with smoking. That is why they can support you, not only with nicotine replacement therapy, but with regular one–to-one appointments, providing encouragement and advice along the way.
Take the first step by talking to a member of the pharmacy staff in-store today and prepare for a smoke-free 2018!