5th March 2008
Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust will be on the streets on No Smoking Day – Wednesday 12th March 2008.
This year’s theme is "The Great No Smoking Day Challenge – Can You Last a Week?" with the aim being to encourage smokers to have a go at stopping to see how it feels – possibly sponsored, or with friends or colleagues. It also aims to raise awareness and to promote the support that local services can provide, as receiving support doubles the chances of a quit attempt being successful.
Organised by the Stop Smoking Team, local activities will include a marquee in Wigan Town Centre with Stop Smoking Advisors on hand to provide information and advice to those wanting support to stop, or just wanting information about stopping. Other challenges such as a penalty shooting competition will be available to fit with the "take the challenge" theme. Wish FM will be supporting the initiative and will be reporting live from the event during the day, and professionals from other agencies including Environmental Health, The Fire Service and Health Trainers will be in attendance.
Also available will be:
A stall in the Spinning Gate Centre, Leigh, will also have Stop Smoking Advisors on hand to provide similar help, support, information and advice.
Both events will run from 10.00 am till 4.00 pm.
The Stop Smoking Team has specialists working in areas such as Pregnancy, Mental Health, Schools and Colleges, Workplace and Hospitals. In addition, support is available from GP surgeries, pharmacies and in clinics running at various venues throughout the Wigan Borough.
Please ring 0500 7867 669 or 01942 732470 for more information or to book an appointment.
Commenting on the day’s activities, Rona Cruickshank, Acting Director of Public Health at the PCT said, “No Smoking Day is another opportunity to put thought into action and improve your health by stopping smoking. There is lots of help out there and a range of tools available to help people quit, so why not use No Smoking Day to start a new smoke free you.”
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Editors Notes
For further information please contact John Parkinson, Communications Manager tel: 01942-482728 e-mail: john.parkinson@alwpct.nhs.uk
Top Ten Tips for a Successful Quit Attempt
- Order a free DVD from 0800 917 6699 to find out about the full range of NHS support available to help you quit.
- Get support from trained NHS advisors who can help you to understand your addiction and how to beat it.
- Identify your smoking triggers and plan ahead.
- Buddy up with a friend so you can support each other.
- Use nicotine replacement products to cope with the withdrawal symptoms.
- Sign up for free text and email alerts with motivational tips and advice to keep you on track.
- Avoid situations where you might be tempted to smoke again.
- Note how much cash you’re saving – and treat yourself
- Use a carbon monoxide monitor to see the damage smoking is doing and watch how quickly your body recovers once you stop smoking.
- Take it one day at a time and reward yourself every day.
