SMOKERS across Lothian are being encouraged to ‘take the leap’ tomorrow on No Smoking Day (14 March 2012).
Says a spokesperson: “Nearly a sixth of UK adults smoke, including 23 per cent of Lothian’s population, and evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to break their habit with NHS help than by going it alone.:
The theme for this year’s No Smoking Day is ‘Take a Leap’, playing on this year being a leap year and the 2012 Olympics.
NHS Lothian offers a wide range of services free of charge to support those trying to give up. Information stalls will be set up at locations across Lothian tomorrow to give details of the help available to smokers at a time and place to suit them.
Helena Connelly, smoking cessation coordinator, NHS Lothian, said: “The benefits of not smoking begin within hours and boost not just your health but your wallet too. No Smoking Day is the ideal opportunity for people who are considering quitting to kick the habit.
“A range of help is available. We provide support through GP practices and community pharmacists across Lothian. We also appreciate that sometimes people are working and they want help at a time that is convenient for them. Our open access services help people make the move from planning to stop to stopping.”
Information on ‘open access’ smoking cessation services is available on NHS Lothian’s website or from Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84.
Information stands will be held at the following locations on Wednesday 14 March:
Asda Chesser, Edinburgh
Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston
Bathgate Primary Care Centre
Olivebank Child and Family Centre, Musselburgh
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
St John’s Hospital, Livingston
ENDS
Notes to editors
No Smoking Day is now part of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The annual health campaign, which is now in its 29th year, inspires and helps smokers who want to quit, and is supported by an alliance of UK health bodies and charities. For more information about the No Smoking Day campaign visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk or for more on the BHF visit www.bhf.org.uk.
NHS Lothian has 25 specially-trained smoking cessation advisers who provide support through open access sessions, GP practices and Community Pharmacists.
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Contact: Carol Harris
Phone: 0131 465 5652
Email: carol.harris1@nhs.net
Website: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
