HEALTH chiefs in Warrington have given an enthusiastic welcome to a landmark new tobacco control strategy which sets out a national vision for a smokefree future.
The new action plan, launched by the Department of Health, includes ambitious goals to dramatically half smoking rates amongst adults by 2020. It also has plans to greatly reduce smoking rates amongst young people aged 11-17.
Pete Astley, head of public protection at the borough council said: “Most smokers start before they are 18 so we have to reach out to young people and discourage them from ever starting smoking.
“We are also concerned about the detrimental effects on health when adults smoke in the presence of their children – second hand smoke has been linked to chest infections in children, asthma, glue ear and cot death. Measures to promote the benefits of smokefree home environments are to be applauded.”
Mr Astley said the government’s commitment to tackling the availability of illicit tobacco was also welcome.
“This cheap tobacco is smuggled into the country by organised criminal gangs.
Fake tobacco can be half the price of genuine products, which encourages smokers to keep smoking.”
Coun Roy Smith, the council executive member for health and wellbeing said: “This new strategy is needed because public opinion is firmly behind further tobacco control efforts – not just to prevent youth uptake, but also to encourage and help smokers to quit.”
Dr Rita Robertson, director of public health and strategy at NHS Warrington said: “Research shows that seven out of 10 smokers want to give up and this new strategy will ensure that every smoker, no matter how many times they have tried to stop before, will be able to get help from their local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
“Smokers who use these services are four times more likely to succeed than those who try to stop without assistance”.
Smokers who want to quit can call the local Stop Smoking Service for free help and support on 01925 843713.
HEALTH chiefs in Warrington have given an enthusiastic welcome to a
landmark new tobacco control strategy which sets out a national vision
for a smokefree future.
Tobacco control gets warm welcome
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
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.
