Fylde GP promoting vaping to help smokers quit

A Fylde doctor is promoting vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking.
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Dr Russell Thorpe is offering discount vouchers in his Old Links Surgery in St Annes for a first electronic cigarette kit from a recently-opened local vaping shop – and is considering invitations from other vaping outlets for similar links.

The association, which includes a poster featuring his picture in the vape shop, started when Dr Thorpe, a medic for 30 years, spotted the new vape shop in a neighbourhood retail area of St Annes while buying his lunch.

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“I called in to find out more about what they sold and their target audience and after I mentioned the surgery, the idea of us having discount vouchers available at the surgery for a first e-cigarette kit grew from there,” said Dr Thorpe, who has never smoked or vaped himself.

Dr Russell Thorpe with a poster promoting vapingDr Russell Thorpe with a poster promoting vaping
Dr Russell Thorpe with a poster promoting vaping
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This is everything you need to know about the health risks of vaping

“Smoking kills - and chronic lung problems caused by it take up a considerable amount of NHS beds and time.

“If giving up altogether is too tough, vaping is a key way forward. Nicotine itself is actually less harmful to the body than alcohol - but there are so many more ingredients to cigarettes which can cause all sort of medical problems.

“Any lasting effects from the vaping compared to cigarettes is like comparing a pea shooter to a bazooka and if it helps people give up smoking why not promote it? Other vape shops have ben in touch and I’m looking into possible links with them.”

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Latest available statistics show that around six per cent of people in England vape, compared to 13 per cent who smoke.

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