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One in Four Smokers getting ready for No Smoking Day
By Derval Keenan, 2/17/2006 8:40:46 AM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has launched this year?’s No Smoking Day, supported by GlaxoSmithKline?’s NiQuitin CQ®.
This year?’s No Smoking Day on Wednesday 8th March is expected to be the biggest ever with a record 105,000, or one in four smokers in Northern Ireland, likely to conquer their cravings.
No Smoking Day is more successful in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. Last year quit attempts locally were highest amongst the 16-24 age group with 32% of smokers in this group aware of the day and trying to stop.
New smokefree legislation will come into force in Northern Ireland in 2007 and UCF expects that this No Smoking Day will be bigger than ever. This year?’s theme is ?‘Serious about stopping?...you can do it?’. With one in four smokers in Northern Ireland serious about stopping on No Smoking Day, UCF will be at hand, providing smokers with the motivation and support they need to be successful.
Helping to launch this year?’s No Smoking Day is Susan O?’Rourke from South Belfast who has recently kicked a 25 year, 40 a day habit, with the help of UCF?’s award winning smoking cessation support service and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Susan said, ?“A combination of financial and health benefits inspired me to stop smoking. NRT, prescribed by my GP helped me to cope with the cravings associated with giving up but I still felt apprehensive about such a dramatic change to what had become ?‘normal?’ behaviour over the past 25 years. After sharing my concerns with my GP, he referred me to UCF?’s smoking cessation service which has become a real lifeline in my bid to stay smokefree.
?“I was very nervous the first time I went along, but the relaxed informal atmosphere settled any fears instantly and I left the first meeting motivated and determined to stay stopped. Smokers and ex-smokers, a mixture of all ages and people who come from all walks of life share their experiences, quit attempts and helpful hints and tips on how to stay stopped. It?’s amazing the small things you can learn from others that become so significant when you are at home on your own with the urge for a cigarette.
?“It?’s rewarding to be able to offer advice to others who are preparing for their quit attempt, particularly in the run up to No Smoking Day. Although I had a short relapse at one stage, I was able to get back on track with the help of UCF and my friends at the support group. I am confident and more determined than ever that I will permanently be smokefree.?”
Judith West, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF said, ?“Giving up smoking at any time of the year requires careful planning and the day itself provides an excellent focus for many smokers to stop. 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 and seek support. In fact, smokers can quadruple their chances of success if they combine nicotine replacement therapy with stop smoking support services. UCF have provided almost 30 clinics in the last year and have helped over 50% of those attending to stop smoking within four weeks. Getting help and support when you are stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do.?”
UCF?’s 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.
Anyone wanting to attend the stop smoking support clinics can either be referred by their GP or can contact Bernie Neeson at UCF (028 9066 3281) for information on their nearest support clinic.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, Ulster cancer Foundation on
028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118
or
Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531
Notes to Editors:
For further information on No Smoking Day 2005 log onto www.nosmokingday.org.uk
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.
In the run up to No Smoking Day, and throughout the week, UCF will be highlighting ways smokers can make giving up easier, such as useful tips for stopping:
Name the day you are going to stop ?– such as 9th March ?– you will need some time to plan, so don?’t just go on impulse.
Tell your friends and family you are sick of smoking, and get them to help you stop.
Write down all the reasons why you want to stop, and keep the note handy to keep you motivated.
Get armed with information ?– phone UCF on 028 9066 3281, NI Smokers helpline 0800 858585, talk to a pharmacist or see your doctor.
Find out about the drug treatments that could help you ?– you can get Nicotine Replacement Therapy, or Zyban, on prescription (talk to your doctor or pharmacist).
Plan some treats for the money you will save ?– one for the end of your first smoke free day, week and month.
Northern Ireland Smokers Helpline ?– 0800 85 85 85
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
Fitzroy Pharmacy, Ormeau Road, Tuesday am
Gordons Chemist, Newcastle, Wednesday am
Malone Lodge Hotel, Wednesday, 7.00-9.00pm
May Street, Thursday, 12.30-2pm
St. Georges Market, Friday am
Down & Lisburn
Lisburn Health Centre, Monday, 2.00-6.00pm
Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn, Tuesday, 6.00-7.30pm
Footprints Women?’s Centre, Poleglass, Thursday, 12.00-2.00pm
Rowan Centre, Lisburn, Friday 10.00-12.00noon
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. Both group and individual support is offered. For further information on smoking cessation clinics please contact Bernie Neeson, UCF, Tel. 028 9066 3281
UCF?’s provision of the centralised smoking cessation service won the top award at the 2005 Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards.
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