SOUTH Lakeland smokers considering quitting in January are being urged by Cumbria County Council to take advantage of free support to improve their health and save money.

The message comes at a time when thousands of local smokers aim to quit as part of their New Year’s resolutions.

Free support is available to smokers through Cumbria’s stop smoking services and through NHS Quit Kits from local pharmacies, which are now available to order online for the first time at www.nhs.uk/smokefree The call to quit coincides with a hard hitting national campaign by Public Health England which highlights the toxic effect of smoking on the heart, brain and lungs.

The new campaign, supported by TV advertising, brings to life the toxic cycle of dirty blood caused by inhaling the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes, including arsenic and cyanide flowing through the body and damaging major organs. The chemicals move through the heart, the lungs and into the bloodstream, finally damaging cells in the brain.

Along with the heart and lungs, the brain is particularly vulnerable to these toxins, leading to a faster decline in functionality and an increased risk of stroke and dementia.

Coun Patricia Bell, cabinet member for public health and community service at CCC, said: “We want to help as many people as possible in Cumbria to kick the habit this January. There is a wide range of support available, including our local stop smoking services which help to quit, as well as free quit kits and online support.

“Everyone wanting to stop smoking will be offered advice and support to help them in their quit attempt. If you have been thinking about quitting now is the time to do it.”

To access Cumbria’s stop smoking services, call: 01900 324 222.