Stoptober 2018. Remember this date and improve your chances of quitting smoking for good! Stoptober is the most extensive campaign in the UK to help drive over 1 million quit attempts, based on the theory that if you can give up smoking for 28 days, your five times more likely to quit for good.
What is Stoptober 2018:
Stoptober 2018 launched in 2012 as a 28-day challenge organised by Public Health England to support smokers across England towards quitting for good. If you can give up smoking during the 28-day challenge, you are then five times more likely to give up smoking entirely. From 1st October, by using the free resources provided and getting support from friends and families. Throughout October, the campaign focuses on taking on smokers to take part and encourage and support them to help them quit for good.
Quitting for long term health
- Your breathing and general fitness will improve.
- Fertility levels will improve as well as increased chances of having a healthy baby and pregnancy.
- Save up to £1,696 a year based on the average smoker having 13 cigarettes a day.
- Food will taste better as your sense of taste returns.
- Skin and teeth will improve.
- Confidence will increase as you won’t smell of smoke anymore.
You’ll also be protecting the health of those around you from the dangers of second-hand smoke and also protecting your children’s health from the risk of potential asthma attacks, meningitis and ear infections.
Ways to quit:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy products, such as gum, patches and lozenges, are available on NHS prescription and can help you manage the cravings. They are a great way of helping you quit and double your chances of quitting for good.
E – cigarettes
E-cigarettes are devices that use heat to warm a solution that creates a vapour that you inhale and typically contain nicotine, vegetable glycerine/propylene glycol and flavourings. The vapour doesn’t have two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke, tar and carbon monoxide, and it isn’t a completely harmless non-smoking aid. Still, it is only a fraction of the risk compared to smoking using cigarettes. E-cigarettes aren’t currently available through the NHS, but you can purchase through pharmacies, vape shops and other retailers. Those who use this method combined with support from local stop smoking services have a greater chance of quitting for good. Speak to your pharmacist on 01908 803499 to find out more.
Support from Stoptober 2018 Campaign:
There are lots of free resources, apps, and emails as well as a community on Facebook. Those who use smoking aids and get encouragement face to face are four times more likely give up smoking for good.