As Fresh – Smoke Free North East highlights World No Tobacco Day, beauticians from Boots and hair stylists from Saks across the region are telling clients that quitting can take years off them.

This year’s World No Tobacco Day shows how smoking is still promoted as glamorous to women, despite its ageing effects on the skin, hair and teeth. The ‘smoking is ugly’ message highlights that rather than being attractive, it’s a leading cause of mouth and throat cancer and other diseases.

Despite record drops in smoking in the North East and the lowest rates in England for men, the region still has some of the highest smoking rates for women, with:

• 23% of adult women smoking compared to 17% of men
• 14% of 11-15 year-old girls are regular smokers compared to just 6% of boys
• 22% of pregnant women are still smoking at the time they have their baby

Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh – Smoke Free North East, said: “We now have the lowest rate of smoking among men in the country, challenging the old Andy Capp image of the North East. But the rates of women smoking give cause for concern.

“Cigarette companies have created a glamorous image for smoking and cynically still target young women to buy their product. Brands like super slims, perfume packs and glamorous cigarette promotion girls stalking the bars of the region, help the industry to sell its image.

“They exploit young girls’ obsession with beauty and staying slim, when in fact smoking is one of the worst things anyone can do for their appearance.”

Paul Robinson, Divisional Pharmacy Manager for the North Division at Boots, said: “Boots stores across the North East are proud to be supporting World No Tobacco Day and we hope to advise customers that one of the best beauty tips you could possibly give yourself, is to quit smoking – and it’s free.

“We will be encouraging customers to visit our No7 beauty counter at (e.g. Eldon Square in Newcastle) this Bank Holiday Monday to get help and information on beauty, skincare and quitting smoking with the support of the local NHS Stop Smoking Services, as well as the expert advice available from our Boots Pharmacies in the area.”

Alison Dace, hair expert at leading hair and beauty salon group, Saks, says: “Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health but it can also have a detrimental effect on your appearance.

“Glossy, shiny, strong hair is what every woman wants, but smoking can cause hair to become dull and brittle. We develop lasting friendships with our clients and frequently see the positive effect quitting smoking has on those that give it a go – not only do they feel great but they look fantastic too!”

The North East has seen the biggest drop in smoking in England, from 29% of people smoking in 2005 to 21% of people in 2008.
Smokers who do want to quit are up to four times more likely to quit successfully when they have professional help and support from the local NHS Stop Smoking Service rather than relying on willpower alone.
For more information about NHS help to quit, phone the national Helpline 0800 012 1612 or text “HEALTH” and your postcode to 88088.

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

• To view powerful images from the World Health Organisation campaign visit: http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2010/en/

• For more information about the way effects of smoking on appearance, click on http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_115.pdf