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23
September
2013
|
13:01
Europe/London

Stopping smoking could give you a longer life

BOSEDE KUMUYI talks to Cllr Jonathan McShane about stopping smoking

Hackney’s smokers are being urged to take the Stoptober challenge and add a week to their life.

New research shows someone who quits smoking for Stoptober, and doesn’t smoke again, could gain 91 days a year, for the rest of their life. Alongside the health benefits, stopping will save the average smoker almost £2,000 a year.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council
Too many people in Hackney are dying from smoking related illnesses and the number of young people smoking is also a concern. With the help of its health partners Hackney Council is determined to change this by raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Through local support and drop in clinics we want to make our communities healthier. Although the Stoptober challenge may be tough at first, you won’t be alone, lots of people will be doing it together. With the right help and support people can get on the road to a longer and healthier life.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council

A quarter of over 18s in Hackney smoke and it remains the nation’s biggest killer, with an estimated 308 people dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease. An estimated 2,000 people are also admitted to hospital with smoking attributed issues. Smoking is also prevalent in young people with 18 percent of 16 to 17 year olds and 28 per cent of 18 to19 year olds in Hackney smoking.

Public Health England research shows that those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smokefree and Stoptober’s ambition is to help smokers achieve this goal.

During last year’s Stoptober 160,000 people across the country successfully completed the challenge saved themselves £25 million from not buying cigarettes.

Clinics will be running weekdays across Hackney throughout Stoptober, and are open to anyone that wants advice or help with quitting. Smokers can also quit at their local GP surgery and most pharmacies across Hackney.

The Stoptober campaign, run by Public Health England, starts on Tuesday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, search ‘Stoptober’ online.

For local help and advice call 0800 169 1943. Email smokers-clinic@qmul.ac.uk or visit www.smokefreecityandhackney.nhs.uk