Stoptober challenge for Hertfordshire’s smokers

National campaign calls for all smokers to join a 28-day quitting challenge

During October, smokers in Hertfordshire are being encouraged to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.

We know that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.

NHS Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council as well as many famous faces, organisations and, employers are supporting the brand new stop smoking campaign in a bid to get people to quit.

The new campaign includes a preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel.

Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via:

• Stoptober app (available via Smartphone)
• Motivational text messages
• Facebook page

As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28 day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.

Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their secondhand smoke.

Smoking is one of the biggest cause of premature death in Hertfordshire and each year it accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK and one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease.

Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk. To find how where to get advice in your area, call Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 08003893998.