Smokers urged to quit for a healthy future

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SMOKERS who gave up in January are being urged to take advantage of free support available from local leisure provider LiveWire to improve their health and save money.
The message comes as a reminder to the thousands of local smokers who aimed to quit as part of their New Year’s resolutions, that there is free help available in Warrington to get you back on track with LiveWire’s stop smoking sessions. Here trained advisers will help you create a stop smoking plan including; setting a quit date, dealing with barriers and helping you feel positive throughout your quit attempt.
The call to quit follows a hard hitting national campaign by Public Health England which highlights the toxic effect of smoking on the heart, brain and lungs. The 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.
More than 14 per cent of people in Warrington still smoke and figures released by Tobacco Free Futures show that smoking costs the region approximately £37,700,00 every year through demands on NHS services, loss of productivity from sick days and early death, as well as litter and fires.
Danielle Ramsey – LiveWire’s Stop Smoking Co-ordinator said: “We want to help as many people as possible in Warrington to kick the habit this year, just because it is no longer January, doesn’t mean you need to wait until next year to quit. There is a wide range of support available, including our local stop smoking drop in sessions which are on offer throughout the town. Everyone wanting to stop smoking will be offered advice and support to help them in their quit attempt.”
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Warrington Borough Council, said: “The local public health team is supporting LiveWire to encourage as many people as possible to get help to stop smoking. We’re sending out a strong message that we want Warrington to be smokefree and there is support available to help every individual give up.
“The latest Public Health Annual Report shows a significant decrease in the number of local people who smoke; however there are still over 20,000 smokers we would like to help live a smoke free life.
“We are working hard on developing a number of initiatives, many that also help to also prevent people from starting smoking in the first place. We’ve signed the Local Government Declaration on tobacco control, reinforcing and strengthening our smokefree work policy; and promoting the smokefree agenda for homes, play areas and cars.”
Andrea Crossfield, Chief Executive of Tobacco Free Futures said: “Addiction to tobacco is still Warrington’s biggest killer, with half of all long term smokers dying in the region from their dependence. People still underestimate the serious damage to health caused by smoking with the heart, lungs and brains affected.
“Smokers who stop this January will notice immediate health improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy. Longer term, ex-smokers reduce their risk of stroke, heart disease and lung cancer, as well as protecting others from secondhand smoke.”
To find your nearest free drop-in session visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk and find out information on Quitting for the first time and Trying again.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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