Smokers urged to quit on No Smoking Day

​Smokers in Jersey are being urged to take the first step in giving up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day, which takes place on Wednesday (11 March 2015). The message to smokers is clear: you can’t underestimate the benefits of quitting smoking.

 

While studies show that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, approximately 1 in 6 adults in Jersey are still smoking daily.

 

This year’s No Smoking Day theme is ‘Proud to be a Quitter’. In life we’re told never to give up, to keep going – but when it comes to smoking, joining the growing ranks of ‘quitters’ is a good thing. The campaign is using the inspirational stories of ex-smokers to highlight the life-changing benefits of quitting.

 

 

Dr Rhona Reardon, Help2Quit Lead Nurse, said “We understand that the majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting. No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire people still smoking in Jersey to quit for good.

 

“We would also like to encourage more men to use the Stop Smoking Service – Help2Quit. We know that men have poorer health outcomes than women and smoking is often a contributing factor. Currently fewer men are accessing the stop smoking service than women, but those men who do use the service are more successful at quitting than women.”

 

 

With professional support, smokers are more likely to succeed in their attempt to quit. That is why Help2Quit advisers will be out in force on No Smoking Day telling smokers about the range of local services and resources available.

 

Help2Quit will have a stand in King Street, between Jack Wills and Hamons, on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 11 March 2015). Advisers will be on hand to talk to smokers and inform them about the Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service.

 

No Smoking Day is run annually by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help encourage hundreds of thousands of smokers across the UK to attempt to quit. 

 

Dr Susan Turnbull, Medical Officer of Health, said “It’s great news that only a minority of the Island’s population are still smoking, and that much fewer young people are taking it up.

 

“However, smoking is still the most significant cause of early death.  For anyone still smoking, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health, and that’s why the British Heart Foundation runs No Smoking Day.

 

“We’re encouraging smokers to mark Wednesday 11 March 2015 in their calendars and take their first step towards a smoke-free, healthier and longer life.”