Countdown to No Smoking Day

South Bucks District Council is counting down the days to national No Smoking Day which takes place this year on Wednesday 9th March.

South Bucks District Council is joining other local authorities and agencies to invite residents to think ahead, consider putting a date in their diary and make a time to quit and take the first steps.

This year's national campaign focuses on preparing smokers who want to quit, so they are ready on 9 March to give up the bad habit of a lifetime.

There are lots of sources of help for people who want to break free from smoking, simply visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk to find out more or freephone 0800 022 4 332.

For your FREE Quit Kit contact the NHS at www.smokefree.nhs.uk or freephone 0800 022 4 332.

South Bucks District Councillor, Jennifer Woolveridge, Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing says, “Smoking is the UK's number one cause of avoidable premature death, linked to a range of serious and often fatal conditions. Stopping smoking is one of the most significant factors in increasing life expectancy and is an excellent way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle. It can make people feel fitter with loads more energy, not to mention the financial benefits.

Things to think about to help you quit the habit…………….

1. An average 20-a-day smoker spends over £2,000 a year on cigarettes.
   Check out the calculated cost section at www.nhs.uk/smokefree. Think about how much you spend on cigarettes each day, each week, each month….. calculate how much you could save in a whole year and how you could reward yourself with that money!
2. Start to look forward to your quit date.
   Allow yourself to become excited at the prospect of becoming free from smoking. Think of alternative activities you can do and enjoy instead of smoking, like meeting up with friends, taking up exercise, taking on a new hobby or learning a new skill.
3. Plan ahead, set a date to stop - and stick to it
   No Smoking Day on Wednesday 9 March 2011 is an ideal day to quit, with over a million other smokers all around the UK trying to quit at the same time.
4. Check for stray cigarettes in all your cupboards, and inside your car, the pockets of coats and jackets, and handbags.
   Make sure you get rid of them all.
5. Know what to expect
   Most people will find it difficult initially to stop smoking but it does start to get better - even after just a few days. You will start to see the benefits in how you feel about yourself, your health, and in your pocket!!
6. Get Help
   Help, advice and support is available….just ask. Find out which option is good for you, remember everyone is different.
   
   Find out your nearest free Stop Smoking Support service by ringing NHS Free Smoking Helpline: 0800 022 4 332
   
   Let friends and family know you're quitting and tell them what they can do to help.
   
   To find out more about No Smoking Day visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk. See our information board at the Council Office’s Reception area in Denham.