5:00pm Saturday 2nd January 2010
Smokers in Craven who want to kick the habit can improve their chances with local NHS services.
It is estimated that around 19 per cent of adults in the area are smokers and there are 90 deaths per year in Craven from smoking-related illnesses.
There are three ways that people can access free NHS smoking cessation services.
They can call the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service on 0845 877 0025 (or visit northyorkshireandyork.nhs.uk and click on “Staying Healthy”) or contact the registered smoking cessation advisor at their GP practice.
Alternatively they can speak to a local community pharmacist who provides enhanced smoking cessation services. These are available at the Co-op Pharmacy in Bentham, LM Woodburn’s Pharmacy in Ingleton and Lloyds Pharmacy on Newmarket Street, Skipton.
Margaret Hewitson, from the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service, said: “If you are going to make one new year’s resolution worth keeping this year, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your long term health.
“In the first few weeks of stopping when withdrawal symptoms can be at their worst we offer encouragement, tips on dealing with cravings and access to stop smoking medication.
“Getting help from the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service can be up to four times more effective than willpower alone. Trying to stop for new year without any support is like trying to climb Everest in your pyjamas - so give yourself the best chance.”
The Stop Smoking Bus will be in Morrisons in Skipton on Tuesday between 10am and 3pm. It will be manned by members of the smoking cessation service who will be able to talk to people about the services they offer and how they can help them go smoke free for the new year.
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