We may be two weeks into Stoptober, but there’s no time limit on taking part. The annual stop smoking drive is a chance to join thousands of smokers nationally in quitting for 28 days – and possibly forever. Lung health is vital at any time but particularly important as flu season begins and Covid rates continue to rise.
April Cundy, Health Improvement Officer at Hull City Council, said: “Stoptober is a great time to try stopping smoking – thousands of people take part every year and for many it’s the start of giving up forever.
“It’s not something you have to do alone, we have fantastic stop smoking support services in the city which have continued operating throughout the pandemic and can work with you to find the help that works for you. This includes free nicotine replacement therapy like gum or patches.
“Stopping smoking is important for your health at any time but particularly now, when cases of Coronavirus are rising and we know those who smoke can be at greater risk of developing complications.
“Locally, we saw a rise in people stopping smoking during lockdown and we want to keep that momentum going. Use Stoptober as an opportunity to put your lungs first. You’ll benefit from immediate and long-term health improvements and people who successfully stop for 28 days are five times more likely to stop for good”.
Five reasons to join #Stoptober now and quit for good:
- The average price for 20 cigarettes is £11.17. Getting through a pack every two days (which the average smoker would) adds up to £2,038 a year
- When you stop, carbon monoxide in your blood reduces by half in just eight hours. After 48 hours all carbon monoxide is flushed out, lungs start to clear mucus and your sense of taste and smell improves. At 72 hours, you’ll be breathing more easily and have more energy
- By the time you’ve stopped for two weeks, circulation has improved. In as little as three months, your lung function could increase by 10 per cent. After a year, your risk of heart attack is half that of a smoker
- Make it to ten years smoke-free and your lung cancer risk is half that of a smoker. Reach 15 and your risk of heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked
- It’s never too late to quit – stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease.
Get support to quit your way:
Email: hullstopsmoking.info@cgl.org.uk
Phone: 01482 977617
Website: Hullstopsmoking.org.uk
Twitter: @SmokeFreeHull
Facebook: Smokefree Hull
