This is the message from the Director of Public Health for Hampshire highlighting new research that on average, every cigarette smoked reduces how long a person is expected to live by approximately twenty minutes.
Simon Bryant, Hampshire’s Director of Public Health said, “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, now and in the future. Despite the rates of smoking decreasing, it remains the leading preventable cause of ill health and early deaths in Hampshire today, with more than 100,000 people continuing to smoke and countless more exposed to second-hand smoke in homes, at work, and in outdoor public places. National No Smoking Day is an excellent opportunity for those who smoke to take the first step towards giving up.
“Quitting smoking really does help people to ‘Take Back Your Life.’ Just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase. After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and within a year of quitting, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a person who smokes.”
It’s never too late to quit smoking. The County Council’s Smokefree services, along with the NHS Better Health, offer a range of free quitting resources, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Personal Quit Plan, and advice on stop smoking aids, as well as information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.