Jersey Islanders wanting to quit smoking in 2022 are being encouraged to use Jersey’s free Stop Smoking Service, Help2Quit, for support.
Using a Stop Smoking Service increases the chances of quitting by up to three times compared to trying to stop unaided.
The NHS Better Health Smoke Free campaign research shows the impact adult smokers have on the young people in their lives. It says that 4.9% of teenagers whose parents smoke have taken it up too. By contrast, only 1.2% of teenagers whose parents do not smoke begin to do so.
Children of parents who smoke are four times more likely to start
Dr Rhona Reardon, Help2Quit Lead Nurse Specialist, said: “Although there are significant health benefits almost immediately after quitting smoking, we recognise that at this time of year, an added benefit for smokers who want to quit, apart from health reasons, can be the financial incentive.”
“Following the Christmas period people may have overspent and are watching what they spend in January. Some smokers may spend around £70 per week which soon adds up. Even if you spend less than that, there are still significant savings to be made. In some households there are more than one smoker, so the amount of money saved can be much more.”
Some smokers believe smoking reduces stress, however the opposite is true as quitting smoking reduces stress. Additionally for some smokers, stress levels are also high owing to the amount of money they are spending on cigarettes or tobacco.
“If you delayed quitting in 2021, then why not make 2022 the year you quit? We offer a free service and have 23 local pharmacies who can offer support. You don’t need to buy the medication to help you to quit we also provide this completely free of charge.”
Smokers, who want to find out more about which pharmacies offer support can visit gov.je/stopsmoking for contact details or email [email protected], or call 0800 7351155.
Help is also available for people who need additional help in quitting for example, those with long-term physical and mental health conditions.
The benefits of stopping smoking:
- After 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse return to normal.
- After 8 hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal.
- After 48 hours: Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
- After 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
- After 2-12 weeks: Circulation improves.
- After 3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.
- After 5 years: The chance of having a heart attack is halved, compared to a smoker.
- After 10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
Tips for smokers wanting to quit:
- Use the most evidenced-based method to help you stop smoking, i.e. get support and treatment from a stop smoking service
- Choose a date to stop that is likely to be stress-free
- Advise friends and family you’re quitting, so they can encourage and support you
- Don’t be tempted to have even a puff on a cigarette after your quit date otherwise the chance of relapse is high – it’s estimated that 90% of those who have the odd puff will return to smoking
- Avoid being around smoking triggers, such as alcohol and other smokers, and plan ahead for difficult situations
- Remember that withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and feeling irritable will pass provided you don’t have a puff on a cigarette, so find something else to keep yourself busy
- Use a stop smoking medication which is licensed to help you quit
- Treat yourself to something special as a reward for being successful
