Wiltshire stop smoking app helping people quit
The service was launched last December to give advice and support
A stop smoking support service in Wiltshire is helping people quit - three months after it was launched.
The county's Smoke Free app has been downloaded 134 times, with more than 300 people in Wiltshire committing to ditching cigarettes since the start ot this year, and a further 200 contacting the local Stop Smoking service.
Local health bosses are encouraging more smokers to consider giving up, and getting advice and support from local sources.
Quitting can bring some quick benefits to almost anyone at any age:
- Within 20 minutes of not smoking the pulse rate returns to normal
- Within two days toxic carbon monoxide gets flushed out of the body
- Breathing can improve after just 72 hours
- Quitting will also reduce your risk of serious smoking-related diseases as well as improve your mood and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression
Debbie Thompsett is a Senior Healthcare Assistant from Rowden Surgery in Chippenham, and said:
“Smoking affects people’s lives in more ways than they realise. Everybody knows about the increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, but less people think about increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking also affects fertility, wound healing, and your appearance.
“It is important to quit smoking to reduce your risk of all of these things. People think when they get to later in life it’s too late for me now, but it’s never too late as the benefits of stopping smoking never stop.
“Once you quit smoking, you will have more energy, and your circulation will be better. Your oxygen levels will improve, and you will notice that breathing feels easier. You will also reduce your risk of developing a smoking-related illness.
“The most important thing to do is to get support to quit, whether that’s through your local GP, pharmacy or stop smoking service as you’re three times more likely to succeed with professional support.”
29-year-old, Haytham Shaaban, who works in Wiltshire, smoked for two years before quitting in January with the help of the Smoke Free app:
“Smoking impacted every part of my life – both emotionally and physically. It was affecting my health as I noticed I wasn’t as fit as I used to be. I couldn’t run like I used to, and I gained weight because I wasn’t exercising. My breathing wasn’t good, and I had sleep issues.
“I had tried different ways to quit smoking in the past, but I always ended up relapsing. This time I decided to try the Smoke Free app, as Wiltshire Council are offering six months’ free access, and it is really helpful. The advisors are very friendly and responsive and suggested I try a combination of nicotine patches and a vape to help me quit. It’s still early days, but I already feel much better.”
Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in England, killing two out of three smokers. Research shows that using personalised support from a dedicated stop smoking service means that people are three times more likely to quit smoking than with will power alone. I’m really pleased we’ve had so many people in Wiltshire already sign up for the app or the Stop Smoking Service – but we’d always encourage more to join them.
“In addition to the App, our Stop Smoking Service is tailored to the individual and is non-judgemental, recognising that smoking is an addiction, not a choice. It supports people to make changes, manage cravings and have a plan in place to manage times when it might be tricky to not smoke, and staying smokefree.
“The support is free for everyone, and medications are available at only the cost of a prescription charge unless you are exempt, in which case the prescription is at no cost.”