Smoking
Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK.
Smoking is known to cause lung cancer and heart disease, and it contributes to a range of other diseases and conditions. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, responsible for 90% of all lung cancer cases. It is estimated that each year over 120,000 people in the UK die from smoking related causes, constituting around a fifth of all deaths.
In 2002/03, 26% of adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain were cigarette smokers.
Local figures from 2003 show that 31.4% of the population of Denbighshire smoke, this is higher than the Wales average.
Half of all teenagers who are currently smoking will die from diseases caused by tobacco if they continue to smoke. One quarter will die after 70 years of age and one quarter before, with those dying before 70 losing on average 21 years of life. It is estimated that between 1950 and 2000 six million Britons, 60 million people worldwide, would have died from tobacco-related diseases.
Stopping smoking
Smokers in Denbighshire who wish to quit can access the Stop Smoking Wales Smoking Cessation Service. Specially trained staff offer guidance, advice and information as well as access to counselling and support groups across Wales. The service is easy to access, smokers just have to phone the All Wales Smoking Cessation Service on 0800 085 2219 to find out where their local service is based and how to join a support group.
For more information click here
What happens when you stop smoking
Stop smoking and the body will begin to repair the damage done almost immediately, kick-starting a series of beneficial health changes that continue for years.
Within 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. After 8 hours nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal. At 24 hours carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body and the lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
Links to other useful websites
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The Action on Smoking and Health website gives information on stopping smoking and fact sheets on all topics related to smoking and tobacco. |
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Website contains information on tobacco control resources. |
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Information on The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation which works towards defeating lung cancer through research, campaigning and education. Also gives information on quitting smoking. |
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Website on stopping smoking with a girls and boys section. |
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Information on the National No Smoking Day Campaign which is held on the 2nd Wednesday of March every year. |
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