People who quit smoking are likely to feel the benefits in a few days and hearing about other people’s success can really help to motivate quitters.
On National No Smoking Day, Gemma Davidson, Health Information Advisor at NHS 24, describes how support from NHS Inform helped her successfully quit smoking:
Gemma, from Clydebank, said: “High cholesterol runs in my family, and after having my children I started to take statins to help lower my levels. I was told that after 6 months my levels were not lowering enough. This gave me a wee scare, and having smoked on and off for 19 years I decided to make a determined attempt to quit.
‘Having recently started at NHS 24, I had a look at the materials on NHS Inform which recommended trying nicotine replacement therapies when first quitting. These were extremely useful as I had an upcoming long haul flight to Australia which would have previously been a struggle without the opportunity for a smoke break. I had my last cigarette on the 8th of October 2019 at Heathrow airport- believe it or not, it tasted horrible!
‘Having the NHS Inform resources for support over the coming months was great, I was able to try out some of the suggested tips on breathing and relaxation techniques which helped with my anxiety and my cravings, and got me into some healthier habits. I could also refer to the materials online to remind me of my reasons for quitting!
‘I am 5 months into my quit attempt, and (although there have been times where I really really wanted one!) I have not had another cigarette. I don’t see myself as a non-smoker just yet but I am confident that will change with time.”
Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director, said: “It’s no secret that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable health issues in Scotland. Whether you’re ready to stop, just beginning to think about it, or are just looking for information, NHS Inform can help; links to local and free services, access to quit packs, and tips on what to do to manage cravings.
“There’s also resources on reasons for stopping, including a savings calculator which is a great push to put down the cigs. Quitting is tough but our advice and information can increase your chances of stopping for good.”
The number of estimated smokers in Edinburgh and the Lothians has risen for the first time in seven years.
In Edinburgh the number of estimated smokers has gone up from 65,818 to 66,550 in the last year, in Midlothian from 14,520 to 14,698, in West Lothian from 26,618 to 26,762 and in East Lothian from 16,176 to 16,299.
Cancer Research UK have published their Scotland Smoking Prevalence Briefing, (attached), which highlights that smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Scotland, with around over 5,700 cases of cancer each year are linked to smoking.
New research by Cancer Research UK indicates that Scotland will not achieve its smoke-free ambition by 2034 if current smoking prevalence trends continue.
A number of actions have been set by Cancer Research UK to reach average smoking prevalence of 5% by 2034 in Scotland, including increased funding for national smoking cessation campaigns.
Spending on smoking cessation campaigns by SNP Ministers has been sporadic over the last seven years with spending fluctuating between £588,230 in 2015/16 to £55,223 last year.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, is calling for consistent funding for smoking cessation campaigns to encourage smokers to quit. Briggs, theScottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: “In Edinburgh and the Lothian’s we have seen the number of people who are giving up smoking stall, with the estimated number of smokers on the rise.
“Smoking is still one of the leading preventable causes of cancer with thousands of Scots dying every year from Smoking related diseases.
“Funding spent on preventative measures could save Scottish tax payers millions of pounds every year with smoking related diseases costing NHS Scotland hundreds of millions of pounds.
“SNP Ministers must ensure consistent funding for smoking cessation campaigns to encourage people to give up smoking and get Scotland back on track to be Smoke Free by 2034.”
Marion O’Neill, Cancer Research UK’s head of external affairs in Scotland, said: “This new analysis suggests that Scotland is not on track to achieve its 2034 smoke-free target which is a concern.
“Indeed, if the Scottish Government is to achieve this welcome ambition and improve the nation’s health, much more needs to be done to accelerate progress.
“Smoking has a catastrophic impact on health. It’s enormously addictive and difficult to quit so more needs to be done to ensure people know about the support available to give up.”
Find out more at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/stopping-smoking