Thousands of smokers set to quit during Stoptober
Thousands of people are quitting smoking for Stoptober with smokers encouraged to put their lungs first ahead of flu season.
New figures show more smokers have been making quit attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more doing it successfully.
More than two million smokers have made a quit attempt since Stoptober was launched in 2012.
Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh, said: “We are all conscious of the need to try to stay fit and healthy right now and not place ourselves at an additional risk of ill health.
"Smoking harms your fitness and your lungs, and increases the risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
“Since the start of the pandemic we have seen an increase in smokers trying to quit.
"As the autumn approaches it is incredibly important to give it another go, and thousands of people will be doing so this Stoptober.
"Don’ t ever give upon quitting smoking or think it is too late – no matter when you quit, it brings important health benefits at any age.”
In the North East, 15.3% of adults now smoke compared to 29% in 2005.
Smoking damages the lungs and airways and harms the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infections, such as flu.
Smokers generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infections and experiencing more severe symptoms.
Respiratory consultant Dr Ruth Sharrock, from Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, and the face of the recent “Don’t Wait” Fresh campaign, said: "We all want to protect ourselves and our families right now, but that is especially important if you smoke.
"Smoking causes lung damage, weakened immune systems, cancer, heart attack, diabetes and stroke.
"By quitting, you are extending life expectancy and improving your health. It is never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking.
"You should never give up on yourself – my advice is to give it another go and try until you succeed."
Stoptober provides the information and support people need to quit smoking for 28 days, based on research that if a smoker can make it to 28 days smokefree, they are five times more likely to quit for good.