Smokers in Milton Keynes are urged to kick the habit for No Smoking Day

Smokers in Milton Keynes are being encouraged by NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group and Public Health Milton Keynes to kick the habit.

As the annual No Smoking Day returns for its 34th year, the campaign is aimed at inspiring and helping smokers who want to quit, and is supported by an alliance of UK health bodies and charities.

Smoking increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which includes coronary heart disease and stroke. Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with people who have never smoked and about half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their addiction.

According to the Office for National Statistics*, 20% of men in England currently smoke and 17% of women smoke. Those aged 25 to 34 are the most likely to smoke but smoke the lowest amount per day at 9.6 cigarettes, while smokers aged 50 to 59 smoke the most at a whopping 13.4 cigarettes a day!

Dr Nessan Carson, local GP and GP Board Member at NHS Milton Keynes CCG, said:

“Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health, and the risk to your health decreases significantly soon after stopping. Smokers are up to four times more likely to quit with support so we would urge everyone to take advantage of all the support services that are available.

Muriel Scott, director of Public Health at Milton Keynes Council added: “Quitting brings real lifestyle and health benefits, like improvements in breathing and fitness, improved circulation, improved ability to taste and smell and improved appearance of skin and teeth.

“Your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers will reduce dramatically. As well as all the health benefits you’ll also notice you have more money to spend on other things that you enjoy!”

To receive information and support on stopping smoking visit www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk/stop-smoking or www.nhs.uk/smokefree