Recession brings increase in smokers quitting (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Recession brings increase in smokers quitting

8:20am Wednesday 11th March 2009

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New research released to mark No Smoking Day (11 March) shows nearly one in three (30%) of smokers in the North West are thinking about or planning to cut down or quit as a direct result of the economic downturn.

Almost three-quarters[1] of smokers would like to quit. Smokefree North West is encouraging them to take the first step on No Smoking Day by seeking advice from their NHS Stop Smoking Service, GP or pharmacist.

No Smoking Day

March 11

The poll shows that more than one in three (36%) of the nine million smokers in Great Britain are thinking about or planning to cut down or quit. No Smoking Day President and Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne, commented on the findings: “Everybody is feeling the pinch during the current recession.

“For smokers, who can spend over £2,000 a year on cigarettes, it’s particularly tough, so for those who are ready to quit there has never been a better time.”

According to the study, almost ten per cent of smokers polled from the North West will be making a quit attempt today, No Smoking Day. The report also found women are more likely to cut down or think about giving up than men (40% compared to 32% of male smokers).

Andrea Crossfield, Director of Smokefree North West, said: “After just a few days of being smokefree, you will look and feel fitter, healthier and more energetic. Quitting smoking can also boost your bank balance, which is never a bad thing, especially during the current economic climate.

“There’s no better time to quit than No Smoking Day when smokers will find local stop smoking advisors at shopping centres, supermarkets and pharmacies across the region. If you don’t catch them there, you can contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Service for free help and support on quitting.”

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