Stoptober challenge as smoking rates continue to fall in Plymouth
Are you a smoker and could you give up smoking for a whole month?
Next month is Stoptober and people across Plymouth are being urged to take the challenge to quit smoking throughout October.
In Plymouth, smoking rates have fallen by almost 4% in the past four years, down to a rate where around 1 in 5 people currently smoke. Although still higher than England (16.9%) and Devon average, rates in Plymouth are falling at a slightly higher rate than the national average, and tackling smoking continues to be a priority for Plymouth City Council and its partners.
Stoptober is an annual campaign by NHS England and research shows that if you quit for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good. The Stoptober website has a range of free and proven support available to help you on your quitting journey.
Councillor Lynda Bowyer, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care for Plymouth City Council, said: “If you are a smoker and had been thinking about quitting, then Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity to do so – nearly a million people have taken part in Stoptober since it began in 2012.
“Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your own health and the health of those around you. You will start to see the benefits very quickly, not only to your health but also to the money in your pocket.”
Many people try alternatives such as CBD Oil from Love Hemp to help them quit smoking.
Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health for Plymouth City Council, said: “Here in Plymouth, smoking is one of four lifestyle behaviours – along with excessive drinking of alcohol, poor diet and lack of exercise – that together contribute to 54% of deaths in Plymouth and we are working to tackle as part of our Thrive Plymouth public health programme. It is great that the smoking rate in Plymouth has fallen by 4% since 2012 but there is clearly much more to do.
“Over 14,180,000 smokers in England have already quit for good and by taking part in Stoptober you can become one of 15 million ex-smokers.”
Debra Lapthorne , Centre Director for Public Health England South West, said: “While we know that quitting smoking is not easy, this Stoptober is a perfect time to try again. The best thing a smoker can do for their health is to stop smoking. There is more help and support available now than ever before. The introduction of standardised packs removes the glamorous branding and brings health warnings to the fore and e-cigarettes, which many smokers find helpful for quitting, are now regulated to assure their safety and quality.
“We also have a range of free support that can go direct to your phone, laptop or tablet via the Stoptober app, a daily email service or Facebook Messenger bot. The new Stoptober website also has advice and information on stop smoking services and quitting aids. Stoptober has helped lots of smokers quit for 28 days and beyond. So if you smoke, why not make this Stoptober the time you quit – for good.”
Free support available throughout Stoptober includes the app, email and social media support including Facebook Messenger, as well as information on local Stop Smoking Services, and information on the different types of stop smoking aids available from medicines to e-cigarettes.
For more information search for Stoptober on the internet or click here
You can also contact the local Livewell Southwest Stop Smoking Service on 01752 437177.
Don’t forget as well you can also take the free ‘One You’ How Are You online test to check your health – click here to find out more.
