Stoptober is back for it's 10th year. Over the last decade, 2.3 million people have Smokefree (1).pngstopped smoking as part of the Stoptober campaign but here in Cumbria we are still above the national average for smoking.

Sara Mason, Lead Oxygen Nurse, said:

“The reality is that smoking is still the leading cause of premature death, with almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year and can lead to a whole range of other conditions.

“Quitting is one of the best things that you can do for your health and your body will start to change and recover almost instantly, just after 20 minutes your pulse rate will already be starting to return to normal and after 8 hours your oxygen levels are already recovering. The harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.”

Benefits to quitting go further than just your physical health - although we think that’s a pretty good reason – but it’s also proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Quitting can improve mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

You will save money, breathe better and move better – there’s really no reason to keep smoking.

Evidence shows that you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are 5 times more likely to stop for good.

There are lots of support and quitting tools out there, we recommend that you download the quit smoking NHS app for extra support, it includes quitting streaks and a classic snake game!

Quitting tips

You have made a great decision to give up smoking. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

Once you have picked your quit date, remember to add it to your calendar.

  • List your reasons to quit.
  • Tell people you're quitting.
  • If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked.
  • Use stop smoking aids.
  • Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke.
  • List your smoking triggers and how to avoid them.
  • Keep cravings at bay by keeping busy.
  • Exercise away the urge.
  • Join the Facebook group for support and advice.

Good luck. Throw away all your cigarettes before you start. Remember, there is never "just 1 cigarette". You can do it!