​​​Feel like a winner - ditch or switch for National No Smoking Day

Feel like a winner - ditch or switch for National No Smoking Day

Bury Public Health Service is urging smokers throughout the borough of Bury to ditch or switch their habit for national No Smoking Day on Wednesday 8 March.

National No Smoking Day, endorsed by the NHS, encourages smokers to consider their futures and take that all important first step towards becoming smoke free.

Coinciding with Budget Day this year, No Smoking Day is a great day to think about improving health and wealth, especially with tobacco taxes set to rise by at least 2% above inflation.

Councillor Trevor Holt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said “By ditching or switching, smokers will start to feel the benefits of stopping smoking from day one.Quick wins, such as saving money and fresher breath, are followed in the longer term by rewards for both mental and physical wellbeing.

“We all know just how hard it can be to change long term habits, but using a Stop Smoking Service and getting the right advice does give people a much better chance of quitting successfully.

“A 10 a day smoker who decides to quit completely could save themselves about £23.50 a week, that’s more than £1,200 a year.”

Steven Butterworth from Radcliffe said “I was a smoker for 20 years smoking an average of 10 a day.With free expert help and support from Bury Lifestyle Service, I’ve actually managed to quit, and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

“I’m feeling so much better off without cigarettes.I’m healthier, which shows in my face, and I’ve got loads more energy and more money in my pocket.That’s a win, win situation for my family.It just goes to show that with the right help people can ditch or switch.If I can do it you can too.”

Lesley Jones, Director of Public Health, Bury Council, commented:“Good stop smoking services, including medication and nicotine replacement products on prescription, are the best way to help a smoker who wants to quit. Electronic cigarettes can help people go smoke free too, and can be important for preventing relapse to smoking. Many of our residents have done well with a combination of electronic cigarettes and traditional stop smoking products, along with the support provided by the Lifestyle Service.”

For local support with stopping smoking contact Bury Lifestyle Service on 0161 253 7554 or visit www.theburydirectory.co.uk

To find out how much you could save by stopping smoking and for information on the benefits of quitting smoking visitwww.nhsinform.scot/nosmokingday

ENDS

For further information please contact Peter Doherty in the council press office on 0161 253 6096. Alternatively please email communications@bury.gov.uk