Could this be your time for breaking away from smoking!

07/06/2007

The Gloucestershire NHS Support to Stop Smoking Service will team up with a local troupe of break dancers on Saturday 9 June at Kings Square, Gloucester (2-4pm) to highlight the hidden risks of smoking and let smokers know where they can get help if they want to give up.

Under the theme, ‘Breaking Away from Smoking’, the group will be leading two dance displays and will be wearing special T-shirts each with the name of one disease that can be caused by smoking.

Specialist Advisers will be on hand to talk to smokers and hand out leaflets.

Most smokers know about lung cancer or heart attacks but are maybe unaware of other problems.

120,000 men in their 30s and 40s each year can be become impotent through smoking.

Smokers also have double the chance of getting macular degeneration which causes blindness.

Women who smoke can go through the menopause 2 years earlier than non smokers and are more at risk of developing osteoporosis.

Non smokers exposed to second hand smoke in the home have a 25% increased risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer.

Kate Gegg, Manager of the Service said:

“We know that 70% smokers want to give up and we know that many smokers have tried to give up many times. These are the people we want to reach and let them know that free help and support is available. It can be difficult, but with support we can double their chance of quitting.”

Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Dr Shona Arora said:

“With England going Smoke Free on the 1st July this is a really good opportunity for smokers to take stock and possibly consider giving up for good. With no smoking in workplaces or enclosed public places, there should be fewer temptations and support from the NHS Support to Stop Smoking Service could make a real difference.”

All the evidence suggests that people are more likely to stay non smokers if they have access to the right kind of support. People can call the Gloucestershire NHS Support to Stop Smoking Service on 08454 22 00 40.