Whilst the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, stopping smoking is even more important this year as we know that smokers are more likely to become unwell and their recovery will be longer if they contract the virus. We also know that smokers are twice as likely to get pneumonia and five times more likely to get flu than non-smokers.
Andrea Tostevin, Guernsey Quitline said: “The strap line for this year’s campaign is ‘quit smoking and breathe’ and here in Guernsey will be encouraging as many people as possible to consider using the Stoptober campaign to quit this year. There is no better time to quit to protect you and your loved ones and to reduce the pressure on Guernsey’s health services as we continue to manage COVID-19 in the Bailiwick and as we head into the winter flu season”.
Quitline is very keen to support smokers and will provide free support and free medication including nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges and mouth spray. Those who use stop smoking aids and who get face to-face support from their local stop smoking service are up to three times more likely to quit successfully. Throughout October the campaign will continue to recruit smokers to take part, whilst also encouraging and supporting people to quit through the 28-day smoke-free journey.
To contact Guernsey Quitline for support or further information please telephone 01481 233170, visit the website, Facebook page, Guernsey Quitline Stop Smoking Service, or email quitline@gov.gg.
