Stoptober’s challenge for York
A national campaign is calling for all smokers in York to join a 28-day quitting challenge.
During October, smokers in York are being encouraged to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.
We know that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.
Many famous faces, organisations, employers, City of York Council and North Yorkshire NHS Stop Smoking Service are supporting the brand new stop smoking campaign in a bid to get people to quit.
The new campaign includes a preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel. Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via:
• Stoptober app (available via Smartphone)
• Motivational text messages
• Facebook page.
As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28-day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.
Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their secondhand smoke.
Smoking is one of the biggest cause of premature death in York and each year it accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK and one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, City of York Council’s director for Public Health said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in York and each year, one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease. I urge smokers to join Stoptober and reap the benefits as soon as possible.”
Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more
information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober