7 March 2011
Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals are throwing their support behind No Smoking Day, which takes place this year on 9 March.
Organised by the No Smoking Day charity, the aim of the day is to provide a common focal point for smokers wishing to give up the habit.
Dr Ruth Charlton is the Deputy Medical Director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. Dr Charlton said: "A day where so many people make a combined effort to stop smoking is a great idea, as you know you're not attempting it alone.
"Smoking affects so many areas of the body, not just the respiratory system. One effect of the nicotine present in cigarettes is that it activates areas in the brain linked with feelings of pleasure and reward, which could explain why smoking is such a difficult habit to kick. The addictive qualities of nicotine mean that people often need a huge amount of willpower to give up smoking."
First established, aptly, on Ash Wednesday in 1984, No Smoking Day has grown in stature over the past 25 years. Last year, the day was marked by three quarters of a million smokers nationwide as they made a combined effort to quit.
Dr Charlton continued: "Statistics suggest that fewer and fewer people are smoking, which is good news, but we can't afford to be complacent. Lung cancer is still a significant issue, and other respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema often occur as a direct consequence of smoking.
"The best way to stop smoking is not to start in the first place - but if you are a smoker, there is plenty of advice and support available to help you give up."
The beneficial effects of quitting can be felt almost immediately. Typically, an individual who has just finished their last cigarette can expect to experience the following:
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after 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse return to normal;
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over the next 24 hours, carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body;
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after 48 hours, all traces of nicotine leave the body. Taste and smell are already starting to improve;
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three days after quitting, breathing starts to become easier and energy levels increase.
Dr Charlton added: "If you've never smoked or tried to give up you won't realise just how challenging quitting can be. For some people, the craving for nicotine can be intense and discomforting, and you might not quit straight away. Support is out there every time you do make the effort - but the first step must come from you."
Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals will be marking the day with stands where patients and visitors can get information and advice about quitting smoking.
Further information on quitting smoking can be found at www.smokefree.nhs.uk or by calling the NHS Stop Smoking helpline for free on 0800 022 4 332.
Sutton and Merton residents can find local stop smoking services at www.giveup4good.nhs.uk and Surrey residents should visit www.surreyquit.net for more information.
