Can you stub it out and quit next month?
THOUSANDS of smokers lighting up every day across the borough are being urged to join a new campaign and quit next month.
Stoptober is the latest project to have been launched by the NHS and is set to run throughout the month of October.
The aim is to try and get people to stub out the habit within 28 days and if successful, health experts claim people are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.
There are currently about 35,000 smokers in North East Lincolnshire – a decrease from around 40,000 two years ago.
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And to help keep the numbers reducing, North East Lincolnshire's Stop Smoking Service is giving its full support to this latest campaign.
Between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, the service saw 2,312 smokers referred to it with a date in mind to quit by, and out of these 1,385 people successfully met their target.
Grimsby man James Ebbotts, is delighted to say he was one of the many to quit and is feeling great.
The 25-year-old was referred to the service by his doctor after smoking caused him to suffer heart and chest problems.
At his peak of consumption, James would buy three packs of 20 cigarettes and smoke more than 40 each day.
"It began affecting my health so I was referred to the stop smoking service earlier this year", he said.
"My partner Zoe Clift, 23, who also smoked, came with me and it was the best thing we did.
"We have not touched a cigarette for almost three months now but it would have been a lot harder without the service.
"The staff there give you free advice and the support needed to remain positive and stay smoke-free. I would encourage any smoker wanting to quit to see them."
Keen to continue reducing the number of smokers in the area is Geoff Barnes, acting director of public health.
He said: "The number of smokers in North East Lincolnshire has reduced significantly over the past two years and it is pleasing that so many people are recognising the huge benefits for themselves and their families in quitting smoking.
"We still have, however, one of highest rates of smoking in the region and that is why I welcome this new campaign launch."
Research has suggested those who use local NHS Stop Smoking Services are four times more likely to quit.
David Hardy, stop smoking service manager, said: "Whilst the campaign will challenge smokers to quit for 28 days, we will look to help and support them to stop for good."
Get some help along the way
To find your nearest stop smoking walk in session, visit www.freedomfromsmoke.co.uk or call 0845 603 2166 for a preparation to stop information pack.
Comments
by Big-Hat-Harry
Saturday, September 15 2012, 5:53PM
“My wife and I are giving up together, so far we have managed 36 hours, and are about to kill each other! I hope this is worth it!”