South Shropshire MP and Health Minister Philip Dunne is encouraging local smokers to take part in Stoptober and try and quit the habit for good.
This year marks the 5th year of Stoptober, which encourages smokers to give up tobacco products for 28 days. Smoking rates are in decline, with 16.9% of adults in 2015 describing themselves as smokers, compared with 19.3% in 2012, according to Public Health England.
Evidence shows that if smokers stop for 28 days they are five times more likely to stop for good. They could also gain an extra week of life for every 28 days they are smoke free, along with greater energy levels, better cardiovascular fitness and a healthier lifestyle.
Mr Dunne said: “Recent figures show the number of smokers in this country has fallen to record low levels, which is encouraging, but we should aim to further reduce smoking levels.
Smoking can lead to a number of health complications, including heart disease and lung cancer, all of which takes up valuable NHS resources – so the more people we can encourage to quit this dangerous habit the better. If that weren’t incentive enough, a smoker on a packet a day stands to save around £270 by quitting for 28 days.
I urge South Shropshire residents who smoke to think about joining the Stoptober challenge this October and see the improvement that being smoke-free can offer. I wish all those trying the best of luck.”
Help and advice, include daily email alerts, are available at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home or by searching ‘Stoptober’ on social media.