By Lucy Ashton
NHSGGC is supporting health charity ASH Scotland in urging residents across Glasgow and Clyde to consider giving up smoking this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8 March 2023) to benefit their health, well-being and personal finances.
The charity’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign is highlighting that giving up smoking brings health benefits such as decreasing the risks of coronary heart disease and lung cancer, after one year and 10 years respectively, by about 50% compared to people who continue to smoke.
New analysis released by the charity also suggests that an average Scottish household containing people who smoke could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting smoking.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities, and it is more important than ever that people in Glasgow facing everyday stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.
“Quit Your Way Scotland, local stop smoking services and community pharmacies provide free support which can help you to develop a personalised plan and, on No Smoking Day, we are encouraging people across Glasgow and Clyde to begin taking vital steps towards a much healthier future by stopping smoking for good.”
The charity’s call, is backed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Geraldine Lucas, Tobacco Health Improvement Lead at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Quitting smoking is the single most important thing someone can do to improve their health, but we understand that nicotine is a highly addictive drug which can make quitting tobacco difficult. That’s why getting the right support from the Quit Your Way service can increase your chances of quitting.
“Our team of friendly advisors have a lot of experience in supporting people to quit. They can provide specialist advice through a combination of 1-2-1 support and free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gums and lozenges, to give you the best chance of stopping smoking for good.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact Quit Your Way by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot
ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. To keep updated about the charity’s No Smoking Day activities, follow www.instagram.com/ash.scotland and www.twitter.com/ASHScotland.