Thousands of smokers prepare to make No Smoking Day their time to quit

Thousands of smokers across the country are taking the opportunity of No Smoking Day – Wednesday 9th March – to quit smoking.

Smokers are much more likely to succeed in their quit attempt if they begin planning in good time, setting a quit date, getting all the support and information they will need in advance by going to free NHS stop smoking services or pharmacies and visiting 'No Smoking Day’s' website dedicated to smokers – www.wequit.co.uk.

So why not make 'No Smoking Day' your time to quit? You can kick the habit with the help and support that is available. Those who do stop smoking on 9th March will gain health and financial benefits in next to no time, including:

• Feeling fitter and having loads of energy to start that healthy lifestyle – not feeling out of breath when the dog takes you for a brisk walk!

• Saving loads of money – giving up a 20-a-day habit is like a £44 a week pay rise!

Locally organisers from Barrow Borough Council, NHS Cumbria and other organisations are hosting an event in Barrow Indoor Market on Wednesday 9th March from 10am-2pm. Smokers can have their carbon monoxide levels monitored and receive free information on quitting.

In addition passes for a free swim or an aerobics/dance or spin class at the Park Leisure Centre will be available for anyone speaking to an advisor on the day. For those people who wish to use exercise as a motivational tool to quit an advisor from the Leisure Centre will be on hand to discuss options and offer discounted memberships.

In addition to the Indoor Market event display materials will be available in local venues including the Dock Museum, Forum, Town Hall, Dalton Leisure Centre and the Park Leisure Centre. Advisors will also be speaking to quitters in other local settings to raise awareness.

22.6 % of adults in the area smoke and research has shown that over two thirds of them would like to quit. 'No Smoking Day' provides an excellent opportunity for them to do that. By using the support available on 'No Smoking Day' and throughout the year you can significantly increase your chance of success.

For more information, please contact either;

- Julie Hodgson, Environmental Health Officer, Barrow Borough Council - 01229 876381

- Mike Otto, Health Improvement Officer, Barrow Borough Council - 01229 876496

- Charlotte Chorlton, Locality Health Improvement Specialist, South Cumbria NHS Cumbria

No Smoking Day is in its 28th year and is a registered charity supported by an alliance of the UK’s health promotion agencies and major health charities

For more information about the campaign visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk  and for how to quit smoking go to www.wequit.co.uk