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Happy New You - Enjoy a Smokefree New Year!
By Derval Keenan, 2/2/2006 2:30:45 PM
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A New Year brings the opportunity of a fresh start when we aim to lose weight, exercise more, save money and of course the most popular New Years resolution of all - stop smoking.
At the stroke of midnight as we sing Auld Lang Syne, many people across Northern Ireland will be stubbing out their last cigarette. Unfortunately, within a few days this well-intentioned New Years resolution is often a distant memory.
While there is no doubt that stopping smoking is very challenging, the good news is that many people do give up successfully. While many smokers opt to quit cold turkey, statistics show that they could be more successful if they plan ahead. Smokers can quadruple their chances of success if they combine nicotine replacement therapy with stop smoking support services. Getting help and support when you are stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do.
Bernie Neeson, Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) said, Research shows that smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives. As an ex-smoker, I understand that giving up can be difficult but at UCF we offer an award-winning smoking cessation support service, providing motivation, support and information to help people give up successfully.
UCFs award winning smoking cessation service is supported by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and is free and confidential. Weekly smoking cessation advice clinics are provided in a number of GP practices as well as leisure centres, community centres and workplaces, at a time convenient to smokers who want to give up.
Bernie continued, The smoking cessation support clinics are very informal and offer individual and group support. Those attending find out more about smoking habits, tips for giving up and how to cope with cravings. Stopping smoking is a big challenge but many people have been successful by using support from the smoking cessation clinics. We have provided almost 30 clinics in the last year and have helped over 50% of those attending to stop smoking within four weeks.
Maria McGuinness from North Belfast has successfully given up smoking using the specialised stop smoking support service. Maria said, At the age of 52, I had smoked most of my adult life. I tried to give up many times in the past but it never worked long-term. Last year my mother had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and I realised for the first time that unless I quit smoking, I may never see my three grandchildren grow up.
I decided that New Years Day was the best time for me to stop, but having tried in the past, I knew that I needed some additional support. As I live with smokers, I knew it was going to be even more difficult to stop. The stop smoking clinic that I attended in my local area gave me just the support I needed and I was able to share the challenge with others who were experiencing the same as me.
Nearly a year later, I can say that it is the best thing Ive ever done. Not only did I successfully give up smoking, but Ive also developed new friendships as a result of the stop smoking clinic. Weve now replaced smoking with more healthy activities such as walking. Id recommend the stop smoking clinics to anyone who is serious about quitting smoking.
Anyone wanting to attend the stop smoking support clinics can either be referred by their GP or can contact Bernie Neeson at UCF (028 9049 2007) for information on their nearest support clinic.
Health Benefits
The health benefits from giving up begin within 20 minutes of stopping, and will greatly increase over the years. After your last cigarette
20 minutes Blood pressure returns to normal
24 hours Carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body and your lungs start to clear out mucus.
48 hours No nicotine is left in your body. Taste and smell improves.
72 hours Breathing becomes easier and your energy levels will increase.
2-12 weeks Circulation improves making walking and running easier.
3-9 months Coughs and breathing problems improve as lung function improves by 10%
5 years Risk of heart attack falls to half that of a smoker.
10 years Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
10 Steps to Successfully Quitting
UCF highlighted the following steps to success:
1. Prepare to stop - you will need some time to plan, so dont just go on impulse.
2. Set a date no more than four weeks ahead.
3. Stop on your agreed quit date.
4. Get support from friends and family.
5. Attend regular advice and support clinics.
6. Consult your GP or pharmacist regarding Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
7. You are now a non-smoker.
8. Reward yourself with the money you have saved.
9. Take it one day at a time. Each day, congratulate yourself on having made it so far. Keep reminding yourself your reasons for giving up.
10. Make sure you reward yourself and remember relapse isnt a failure.
How much will I save?
The health benefits of quitting are priceless but there are also financial benefits too.
Cigarettes per day 1 day 1 week 1 month 1 year
5 £1.20 £8.40 £36 £438
10 £2.40 £16.80 £72 £876
20 £4.80 £33.60 £144 £1752
30 £7.20 £50.40 £216 £2628
40 £9.60 £67.20 £288 £3504
Based on a packet of 20 cigarettes costing £4.80
For further information on UCFs services, please contact head office on 028 9049 2007 or alternatively log onto ulstercancer.org.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Officer, Ulster cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07810 371118
or
Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
Notes to Editors
Ø Northern Ireland Smokers Helpline 0800 85 85 85
Ø Smoking cessation clinics are currently being held at the following venues:
North & West Belfast
174 Trust, Duncairn Avenue, Tuesday, 6.30 8.30pm
Clifton Street Surgery, Wednesday, 2.00-5.00pm
Springvale Training Centre, Wednesday, 7.00-9.00pm
Ligoniel Health Centre, Friday, 2.00-6.00pm
South & East Belfast
Ballybeen Womens Centre, Wednesday, 6.30-8.30pm
Malone Lodge Hotel, Wednesday, 7.00-9.00pm
May Street, Thursday, 12.30-2pm
St. Georges Market, Friday morning
Down & Lisburn
Lisburn Health Centre, Monday, 2.00-6.00pm
Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn, Tuesday, 6.00-7.30pm
Footprints Womens Centre, Poleglass, Thursday, 12.00-2.00pm
Glenavy Family Practice, Friday, 3.00-6.00pm
Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust
Comber Leisure Centre, Tuesday, 7.00-8.30pm
Donaghadee Health Centre, Thursday, 2.00-6.00pm
Please note that some of these venues may vary depending on demand for the service. For further information on smoking cessation clinics please contact Bernie Neeson, UCF, Tel. 028 9049 2007
Ø UCFs provision of the centralised smoking cessation service won the top award at the 2005 Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards.
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