Health chief urges smokers to kick habit

No Smoking Day is tomorrow and health experts are urging the 192,000 Lancashire residents who smoke to quit.

Around 20 per cent of the county’s population smoke, which is more than the national average.

Research shows that people are four times more likely to quit for good if they contact their local stop smoking service and Lancashire County Council is encouraging them to call on No Smoking Day.

County Coun Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “People are rightly proud to have given up smoking for good.

“There is no doubt that it’s tough, but with support and medicines from trained staff from the stop smoking service, smokers can get the help they need to overcome the nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

“The average smoker loses 16 years of life and suffers many more years of ill health than a non-smoker. You are four times more likely to succeed if you get help from your stop smoking services and No Smoking Day is a great time to quit.”

Adele Shields, stop smoking services manager from the North Lancashire service, said: “Anyone at all can use our service. Some people are able to stop smoking on their own, but others find it difficult and appreciate some support.”

Anyone wanting to quit can call the stop smoking service on (01524) 845145.