Helping smokers to quit - programme overview
Stopping smoking is probably the biggest step anyone can take to improve their health and long term health prospects. There are immediate and long-term benefits to be gained for the smoker and their family.
- You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease.
- You will save money - as much as several hundred pounds a month, if you're a heavy smoker
- You will reduce your risk of gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems.
- You will protect the health of those around you by not exposing them to secondhand smoke.
- You will reduce the chances of your children suffering from asthma or glue ear.
- You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
- You will improve your breathing and general fitness.
- You will enjoy the taste of food more
In the decade between 1999-2010-11, more than 200,000 people quit through NHS Stop Smoking Services in the North East. The region has continually achieved the highest number of four week quitters per 100,000 people, with over 12.5% of all North East smokers making a quit attempt through the NHS - higher than any other region.
Fresh leads a comprehensive regional programme aimed at reducing smoking rates. We aim to provide effective leadership and expertise through a number of forums designed to support partners across the North East.