Smokers drastically underestimate risk
New research published today by NHS Smokefree shows that over half of all smokers grossly underestimate the cost to their health as w
ell as their pocket.
You may, like countless others around the world on January 1st, be resolved to going smoke free, if so you may be very interested in the new research and campaign launched today.
The research shows some surprising results and suggests many smokers are still blind to the damage caused by their habit, with 53% of smokers grossly underestimating the number of people who die each year from smoking related illness; the actual figure is over 80,000 while half of all smokers put it at 10,000 or below.
According to Statistics on Smoking: England, 2010; NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care, smoking is estimated to be responsible for almost a third of all cancer deaths in the England, this new research shows over 35% of all smokers are unaware of the scale of this statistic. It has also been found that one in two smokers will die from smoking related diseases, yet it has been revealed that 58% of smokers are unaware of this fact.
So, if you are at the start of your journey to becoming smoke free, or if you are considering it, these shocking facts may just give you the motivation you need to start and keep going.
Public Health Minister, Anne Milton said: “Quitting smoking is the very best thing you can do to improve your health this New Year. What’s clear is that the majority of smokers want to quit smoking and free NHS help is available to help them quit for good.
If the health facts are not enough motivation, the impact upon a smokers wallet has also been examined and the survey found that a 20-a-day habit costs a smoker £2,405 per year, another statistic grossly underestimated by those surveyed.
If you are embarking on your quest to become a non-smoker there are some great things available to help. When I quit over four years ago the thing that helped me most was a little timeline of what would happen and the benefits of giving up smoking, this kept me focused on the positive things I was achieving by quitting. Please see our quit guide. Some find that nicotine replacement works for them, others do it on willpower alone, however evidence shows that you can increase your chances of quitting by using NHS support and now there is also a new and improved Quit Kit.
You may wish to look at electronic cigarettes as a means of helping you reduce your cigarette consumption, if so you can see here: Gamucci Electronic Cigarettes
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive, Action on Smoking & Health (ASH)
“Christmas and New Year are key times for people to stop smoking. You can increase your chances of success considerably by getting the right support.
“Clear your house of all smoking materials; order a free Quit Kit to get helpful tools and advice and consider trying nicotine replacement products or another stop smoking medicine to help you cope with cravings.
To find your nearest Quick Kit stockist text SEARCH and your postcode to 88088 or search online at www.nhs.uk/smokefree and very best of luck!
For more ideas on how to make 2012 one of fulfilled goals please see our feature on New Year's resolution tips
