Smokers urged to stub out the habit

HALTON’S Health Improvement Team has been out and about urging smokers to quit.

To coincide with No Smoking Day, the group tried to persuade those who like a cigarette that giving up tobacco is the best thing they can do for their health and will start to feel the benefits within hours of the last puff.

Blood pressure and heart rate start to return to normal in 20 minutes, blood oxygen and carbon monoxide are back to normal in 48 hours and heart attack risk has dminished within two weeks and the lungs have started to recover.

To mark No Smoking Day the team visited Halton Housing Trust’s head- quarters at Waterfront Point in Widnes where they offered free lung age checks, advice on stopping smoking as well as living a healthier, more active life.

They also gave employees BMI and blood pressure checks.

A Halton Council spokeswoman said smokers are four times more likely to quit with help and support and should consider taking advantage of one of the HIT’s free dropin sessions, which take place across Runcorn and Widnes including community centres, doctors’ surgeries, and leisure and shopping centres.

They can also offer oneto-one appointments on request for expectant mum or cannot access any of the venues for health reasons.

The spokeswoman said: “When you first come to one of the sessions, the stop smoking advisor will go through the different options and products available to find the best way to help you to quit.

“They’ll also be there to offer free ongoing advice and support during your quit attempt.

“You may well relapse along your journey, maybe more than once, but this is perfectly normal and you are welcome to come back to see the team as often and as many times as you need. They know how hard it can be to quit and can help you through the rough times and give you helpful tips on how to control cravings and how to deal with situations where you’d normally reach for a cigarette.

“If you’ve already made the decision to quit using an e-cigarette, they’re more than happy to help you kick the habit for good.

“Although they cannot provide or promote e-cigs as a quit therapy, they’d be happy to help you and provide moral support if and when you need it.”

Cllr Marie Wright (health and wellbeing), said: “I’d like to encourage everyone who’s a smoker to set a date to start quitting.

“Smoking is still one the biggest causes of premature death in Halton so if you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do for your health is quit.

“Our expert advisers will be there to help you along the way.”

For more information call 0300 029 0029 or visit www. haltonhealthimprovement.co.uk

View a list of drop-in venues and opening times at www.halton.gov.uk/ quit or alternatively call 0300 029 0029.