No better time to Quit and Win than today says ASH Scotland

TODAY is No Smoking Day and Health charity ASH Scotland has urged people to 'Quit and Win'.

The campaign stresses that giving up smoking brings health benefits such as decreasing the risks of coronary heart disease and lung cancer, after one year and 10 years respectively, by about 50 per cent compared to people who continue to smoke.

New analysis released by the charity also suggests that an average Scottish household of smokers could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities, and it is more important than ever that people facing everyday stresses during the cost-of-living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.

“Quit Your Way Scotland, local stop smoking services and community pharmacies provide free support which can help you to develop a personalised plan and we are encouraging people to begin taking vital steps towards a much healthier future by stopping smoking for good.” NHS

Grampian's deputy director of public health, Shantini Paranjothy echoed that call: “There is lots of support available to anyone who would like to quit smoking. The national helpline can point you in the right direction, and our local Healthline service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm."

You can call 08085202030, email gram.healthpoint@nhs.scot or use the online referral form.

“Trained advisors can discuss health concerns, practical ways to improve your health, mental wellbeing and coaching and details of local support groups. You can also get free access to nicotine replacement therapies and helpful advice from your local community pharmacy.”

The NHS Grampian online referral form is available at: https://www.hi-netgrampian.scot.nhs.uk/smoking-advice-service/ Contact the national Quit Your Way team by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking.

To keep updated about the charity’s No Smoking Day activities, follow www.instagram.com/ash.scotland and www.twitter.com/ASHScotland.

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