01 January 2024
Islanders who want to quit smoking in 2024 are being encouraged to increase their chances by using Jersey's free stop smoking service, Help2Quit.
Using a support service increases the chances of quitting by up to three times, compared to trying to stop unaided.
Dr Rhona Reardon, Help2Quit Lead Nurse Specialist, said: “Smokers, and others may think smoking is a lifestyle choice or just a habit, but it is not. It is an addiction, with many smokers becoming dependent on tobacco in childhood.
“If it was simply a choice, it would be easy to quit without support. Quitting can be tough and quitting without support has the lowest success rate. We want to encourage smokers to use the service in 2024 and give themselves the best chance of quitting for good.
“Support and stop smoking medication is free for people attending the service. We help smokers chose a medication best suited to their needs and we help them to plan for their quit attempt. We also help people identify triggers for smoking and how to cope at these times.
“Smokers are five times more likely to quit for good if they get through 28 days without a puff on a cigarette – and we are here to help them".
Taking action to quit in 2024, means smokers will improve their health and it will also help keep more money in their pocket. This can help reduce the financial burden when household costs are increasing.
Following the Christmas period, people start to think about the year ahead, as they may have overspent and are watching what they spend in January. This makes the start of a new year a popular time to think about stopping smoking.
The service is available via the nurse specialist stop smoking service. Details can be found here.
The benefits of stopping smoking:
- After 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse return to normal.
- After 8 hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal.
- After 48 hours: Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
- After 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
- After 2-12 weeks: Circulation improves.
- After 3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.
- After 5 years: The chance of having a heart attack is halved, compared to a smoker.
- After 10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
gov.je