Smokers on the Isle of Wight are being urged to give quitting a go, ahead of No Smoking Day tomorrow (8th March).
We know the majority of smokers want to give up the habit and the annual awareness day encourages smokers to make a quit attempt. This year’s theme is ‘stopping smoking protects your brain health’.
Smoking can increase risk of some forms of dementia
YouGov data, commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), revealed only 20 per cent of people who smoke know that smoking can increase the risk of some forms of dementia, compared to 80 per cent who know that smoking causes lung diseases or cancers.
Smoking raises the risk of developing some forms of dementia, as it harms the heart and blood vessels and the brain. Studies show that quitting smoking reduces this risk substantially, and could collectively prevent or delay up to 40 per cent of dementia cases.
Bryant: One in ten affected
Simon Bryant, director of Public Health, said,
“On the Isle of Wight we have made great progress with smoking prevalence in adults reducing from 20.3 per cent in 2011 to 13.1 per cent in 2021.
“While progress has been made over the past decade, more than 1 in 10 Island residents continue to experience poorer health outcomes due to smoking.”
Legg: You’re three times more likely to quit smoking with support
Dr Michele Legg, Island GP and clinical director for Isle of Wight at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, added,
“It’s great to see the progress made over the past decade in reducing smoking rates on the Isle of Wight, but there’s still a way to go.
“It’s hard to overstate how big a positive difference stopping smoking can make to your overall health at any age. You’re three times more likely to quit smoking with support and The Healthy Lifestyles Isle of Wight team provide an amazing service.
“So if you’re a smoker and you’re reading this, please do reach out to them today for help to quit for good.”
Healthy Lifestyles Isle of Wight provide free stop smoking support with specialist stop smoking advisers and include free nicotine replacement products and E-cig vouchers.
Support
To quit:
- visit the Website
- phone 01983 642369 or 0800 999 1936;
- text QUIT to 66777.
Services to help reduce smoking on the Island are commissioned by Isle of Wight Council Public Health.
If you would like to find out more about support available on the Isle of Wight for people living with dementia and/or friends, families, and carers of those living with dementia, please contact the following local organisations:
- Visit Alzheimer Cafe or call: 01983 220200.
- Visit Carers IW or call: 01983 533173.
- Visit Age UK or call: 01983 525282.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
