Quitting Smoking this Stoptober - It's Well Worth It
Stop smoking for Stoptober – it’s well worth it.
People who smoke in Oxfordshire are encouraged to join the 2.5 million others nationwide who have quit smoking through Stoptober as it returns for it’s thirteenth year. Over 60,000 adults in Oxfordshire, and over five million adults in England still smoke.
Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. In Oxfordshire, more than 1,000 people quit each year with the support of Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.
Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Stoptober is the perfect time to make a go of giving up cigarettes.
No matter how long you’ve been smoking for, quitting is well worth it! “Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money. “We understand the challenges people face in their journey to give up smoking.
That’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.” Research shows that smokers who give up for a whole month are up to five times more likely to stay smoke free for good.
The benefits of quitting start almost immediately including improved stress levels, feeling fitter and better taste and smell. In the long-term, quitting smoking can help someone to live longer, reduce their risk of heart and lung disease, strokes, cancer, and breathing problems, and save on average of £365 a month.
Nicotine replacement therapy and vapes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon. Find out what support is available by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.