Smokers in Highlands urged to quit on No Smoking Day
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Highlanders are being urged to “quit your way” on No Smoking day today (March 9).
Non profit charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland want members of the public to consider making a tailored made plan to help them give up nicotine products.
The call to give up cigarettes and other similar products is also being backed by NHS Highland.
ASH Scotland suggests taking a case-by-case approach for each individual looking to quit.
Advice includes seeking support from local cessation services, community pharmacies or the national stop-smoking service Quit Your Way Scotland run by NHS 24.
Although the smoking rate in the NHS Highland area dropped to 20 per cent in 2018, the charity said more progress is required if the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of reducing the rate to five per cent or less by 2034 is to be met.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Nicotine is highly addictive and, although it can take a number of attempts to quit, some people find giving up cigarettes or tobacco easier than they had thought. For others, it takes a number of attempts, and it is worth trying again.
“Quitting smoking can improve your mental health and, within a year of stopping, the risk of coronary heart disease reduces by half compared to someone who smokes.
“Quit Your Way Scotland, local stop smoking services and community pharmacies provide free support which can help you to develop a personalised plan and, on No Smoking Day, we are encouraging people across Highland to begin taking vital steps towards a much healthier future by stopping smoking for good.”
Susan Birse from Public Health, NHS Highland, said: “Smoking causes much harm throughout Highland and indeed Scotland so supporting those who want to stop smoking will save lives and money, improve quality of life and reduce health inequalities. Smoking cessation is arguably one of the most important interventions delivered by public health. Details of what support is available and how to contact us can be found at www.smokefreehighland.co.uk.”
Anyone in Highland who has the goal of giving up smoking can also contact a Quit Your Way adviser by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot.
