In support of national Self Care Week (16-22 November 2015) smokers in the Harrogate and Rural District are being encouraged to kick the habit.
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Quitting will make drastic improvements to your health and lifestyle, and also protect the health of your family and friends around you.
Local GP Dr Sarah Hay said:
As well as moving more, eating well and cutting down on alcohol – stopping smoking really is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death. Your chance of getting a serious health problem such as lung cancer or heart disease is dramatically increased if you are a smoker.
When you quit smoking, your sense of taste will return and you will enjoy the taste of food more. Your breathing and general fitness will improve. The appearance of your skin and teeth will improve and you’ll be more confident in social situations because you won’t smell of stale smoke anymore.
Don’t wait for the New Year to quit! The sooner you stop, the more quickly you will start seeing the benefits.
As well as the significant health and personal benefits, giving up smoking can have a big impact on your wallet – you might be surprised at how it all adds up. The average smoker spends nearly £150 a month on cigarettes!
Free NHS support to stop smoking is available in the Harrogate and Rural District area through North Yorkshire NHS Stop Smoking Service. You are much more likely to quit successfully with their help – give them a call on 0300 303 1603 for a local appointment or speak to your GP.
- For further information on giving up smoking please see http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/24109 or http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/smoking/Pages/stopsmokingnewhome.aspx
- Self Care Week takes place 16-22 November 2015 and has the theme “Self care for life.”
- Self Care Week is a yearly campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of self care and what people can do to take better care of their own health and their family’s health. The point of the campaign is to promote and encourage more self care across communities, families and generations. www.nhs.uk/selfcare
