Smokers in Oxfordshire supported to quit for good this October
Smokers in Oxfordshire are encouraged once again to think about the benefits of quitting as Stoptober returns for it’s twelfth year.
Since its launch, the Stoptober campaign held during October has helped over 2.5 million people across England to quit smoking. In Oxfordshire, more than 1,000 people quit each year with the support of the stop smoking service.
The benefits of quitting start almost immediately, and research shows that smokers who give up for a whole month are up to five times more likely to stay smoke free for good.
Just two days after quitting, sense of taste and smell will start to improve, at three months the amount air that lungs can hold has increased and by a year the risk of a heart attack will have halved.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “When you stop smoking good things start to happen. Beating the addiction brings huge improvement to mental and physical wellbeing, as well as financial benefits. It is estimated that giving up a ten a day habit could save around £2,000 a year.
“We want to make Oxfordshire smoke free as part of our wider tobacco control strategy and inspire the county’s first smoke free generation.
“We know how daunting it can be for people 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.”
Nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon.
Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.
Discover more about Oxfordshire’s tobacco control strategy and how to make a difference by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website.
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