Stoptober campaign launches

This year's Stoptober campaign has launched with new research revealing that 95 per cent of ex-smokers see positive changes soon after quitting.

The positive changes include having more energy (45 per cent), feeling healthier (42 per cent) and improved breathing (42 per cent).

Stoptober will begin on 1 October, urging smokers in England to commit to quit.

More than five million adults in England smoke and smoking is still the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the country - linked to 64,000 deaths a year.

The total cost from smoking to society in England is approximately £17 billion a year - this includes the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking at approximately £1.9 billion a year.

NHS doctor, Dr Dawn Harper, said: "As a GP, I am always trying to encourage my patients to quit smoking as I know the detrimental impact it has on so many of our body’s systems. Quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health, and kick starts a range of benefits from easier breathing to reduced coughing to better tasting food. It will also put you on the road to long-term health benefits including reduced risk of heart attack and lung cancer. So why not give it a shot this Stoptober?"

Deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, said: "Over the past 12 years Stoptober has helped over 2 and a half million people quit. However, while smoking rates are in decline, there are over 5 million adults in England who still smoke, so it’s vital we support everyone to go smoke free. Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked. It’s never too late to stop. I encourage you to give it a go."

Image by Hanjörg Scherzer from Pixabay