Smokers in Wolverhampton urged to ditch the habit
Smokers are being urged to ditch the habit and pledge to stay off the cigarettes during a 28-day campaign.
Wolverhampton Council has thrown its weight behind this year's Stoptober initiative and is calling on residents to sign up for the scheme.
It comes after the number of smokers in Wolverhampton plummeted, with 5,000 fewer than three years ago.
Councillor Hazel Malcolm, cabinet member for pubic health and wellbeing, said: "While quitting is never easy, Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a try, particularly with the support of friends, family and work colleagues.
"Everyone’s quitting journey is different, and Stoptober can help you choose which one will work for you – and just remember that, if you can make it to 28 days smokefree, you’re five times more likely to quit for good."
The 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England will launch on October 1.
It is based on research which has shown smokers kicking the habit for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.
Figures from Public Heath England revealed the number of adult smokers dropped from 16.5 per cent in 2015 to 14.4 per cent last year - below the national average.
But smoking still remains the largest preventable cause of death in Wolverhampton, the council said.
Councillor Malcolm said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.
"It is the biggest cause of preventable illness and premature deaths in the country, with one in every two long-term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease unless they quit.
“Quitting can significantly improve people's health and well-being, on both a short-term and long-term basis. For instance, 48 hours after stopping smoking, carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your body; after 72 hours, breathing becomes easier; and from two weeks onwards, your circulation improves.
"Five years after quitting, your risk of heart attack falls by half compared with someone who is still smoking, while after 10 years it is the same as if you had never smoked. Also 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a person who still smokes."
A free Personal Quit Plan, which helps smokers find the right support for them, will be available online during Stoptober.
Options include face-to-face support, nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, inhalers or lozenges and e-cigarettes.
Smokers can also make use of the Stoptober app, Facebook messenger bot, daily emails and Stoptober online communities.
