Stopping Smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health - Rachael Musgrave

Stopping Smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health - Rachael Musgrave

Wigan has more smokers than many parts of the country, but recent data has shown that the borough also has one of the highest proportion of people looking to kick the habit.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. Even if you have tried to quit before don’t give up on giving up. Many people have several attempts to quit before they stop for good. Remember it’s never too late to quit smoking no matter your age or how long you have smoked. Your body will benefit from quitting as early as 24 hours when you will be carbon monoxide free and blood oxygen levels will return to normal.

On top of significantly improving your health, giving up can also bring major financial benefits. The average smoker who gives up will save around £2,400 per year – the equivalent of an entire year of gas and electricity usage for an average three-bed property and for some this saving can be even greater.

If you are thinking of stopping smoking help is available from our Be Well Health Advisors or your local pharmacy.  A good starting point is to download the NHS Quit Smoking app (external link) on your phone. This will help you get started on your quitting journey, show you all the benefits of stopping smoking and connect you with other people who are also trying to quit.

Here are a few top tips to help you get on your way:

• Write a list of your personal reasons for stopping
• Plan and, pick a date to quit
• Change your routine try something new, this will help you avoid triggers
• Keeping hydrated it’s important, drinking water helps with cravings
• Increase your activity, think about what you enjoy, walking, cycling, dancing, gardening?
• Do any of your family or friends want to quit too, you can support one another. Have a catch up, go for a walk and talk instead chatting on the phone
• Be kind to yourself and take one day at a time
• Be positive and think, ‘I can do it'.

We have a team of friendly Be Well Health Advisors, who are here for you and your family. They have lots of experience supporting people to quit smoking. They will take the time to understand your personal quit journey and support is tailored around your needs.  We offer guidance on recommended products to support you to quit such as free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches, lozenges, and gum to those eligible. We offer one to one, family group, telephone, and virtual sessions. Our Be Well Advisors can easily be accessed at a range of venues across the borough.

Remember stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for you and your family and our Be Well Advisors will support you every step of the way.

For more information, please call - 01942 836967 or make a online referral to the council’s Be Well Health Advisors.