This year’s national No Smoking Day 2007 takes place on Wednesday 14 March 2007. This is an ideal day for smokers to do the very best thing to improve their health - stop smoking and make a fresh start, free from tobacco. Use this opportunity to get a head start on quitting smoking before the ban on smoking in enclosed public and work spaces comes into place on 1 July 2007.
Last year, this annual event helped 1.5 million smokers across the UK take that first step towards a smoke free life.
In Lewisham, health staff will be out and about at the local railways stations and in the Deptford and Lewisham Shopping Centres handing out information about local services that can help smokers quit. There will also be a display in the central Lewisham Library. Anyone in Lewisham wanting more information on local stop smoking services can call freephone 08000 820 388 or visit www.lewishampct.nhs.uk.
Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: "Smoking and breathing in other peoples’ smoke is harmful. If we are serious about improving the health of our residents we need to be serious about stopping smoking. Banning smoking in enclosed public spaces is one of the steps in the right direction we have to take”.
Chris Watts, Director of Public Health at Lewisham PCT said, “Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health and extend your life expectancy. We know it’s not easy, tobacco is highly addictive, but we have the right services here in Lewisham to help and support you.
“It’s not just smokers who are affected. Think about those around you who are breathing in toxins every time you light up. Second-hand tobacco smoke is the main source of indoor air pollution in the UK. It contains around 4,000 different chemicals and can increase the chance of non-smokers developing lung cancer, heart disease and can also cause a variety of serious health conditions including respiratory disease and cot death in children. At least 1,000 people are estimated to die each year in the UK as the result of exposure to other people’s tobacco smoke.
“We are delighted that the Government is bringing in a smoking ban in virtually all enclosed public places from 1 July 2007. This is one of the most important public health measures there has ever been in England and will bring about the greatest improvement in people’s health as we know it. With this new legislation there has never been a better time to stop than right now”.
The new legislation comes into force on 1 July 2007, when smoking will be banned in nearly all enclosed public and work places. Thousands of people’s lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected. Smoke free legislation will protect everyone from the harmful effect of second-hand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing.
In adults, second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 25 to 35%. Pregnant women, people with existing cardiovascular disease and those with asthma and other respiratory disorders are particularly vulnerable.
Both Lewisham Primary Care Trust and the London Borough of Lewisham introduced smoke free environments in all their workplaces a year ago.
Lewisham’s Stop Smoking Services provides support for smokers who want to stop including those in businesses that are becoming smoke free. For more information call 08000 820 388.