Sunday 31 May is the World Health Organisation’s World No Tobacco Day and a local NHS Trust is urging smokers in the region to quit smoking for good.
This is a time when we are all reflecting on what’s important to us in life; good mental and physical health, family, loved ones and being happy.
Maybe, it’s the right time to make a change for the better?
To help smokers, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has developed five top tips to help smokers live their life tobacco-free.
1. Prepare!
Prepare for the day you quit and avoid temptation – choose a quit date that’s unlikely to be stressful and make sure you don’t have any cigarettes, lighters or matches on you.
2. Get some help to quit smoking
Contact your local NHS stop smoking service for specialist support and advice.
Stockton residents can contact the specialist Stop Smoking Service on 01642 383819 or at www.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmoking.
Hartlepool residents looking to quit should call Hartlepool Borough Council’s Community Connectors on 01429 402814 / 07747 856700 or 01429 402815/ 07748 112784.
Download the free Smokefree app from the App Store or Google Play for mobile support when you’re on the go.
3. Stay positive
Remember all the reasons why you’re quitting:
- Feeling great
- Reduced health risks
- Extra money in your pocket
- Improved breathing and general fitness
- Fresher breath
- An improved sense of smell and taste
- Less stress and anxiety
- Cleaner lungs and a stronger heart
4. Distract yourself from any smoking cravings
All of the stop smoking medicines are effective treatments to help you stop smoking, but everyone has their own way of coping with cravings so here are our top five distractions:
- Talk to someone – call a friend or relative to get some support
- Go for a brisk walk – this will help clear your head and lungs
- Stay busy – download the Smokefree app or play a game on your mobile phone, distract yourself from any cravings
- Drink a glass of water or juice – keep yourself occupied for those crucial few minutes
- Change scene – just moving to another room can help, or step outside and get some fresh air
5. ‘Just one cigarette’ is a myth when we talk about smoking
There’s never “just one” cigarette. Keep busy, and if you find a certain time of day hard, try a new routine. You can do it! We’re here for you whenever you need a bit of extra support.
Deepak Dwarakanath, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Not smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their own health.
“Quitting is a real challenge and anyone who beats smoking deserves their own round of applause.
“North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has expert help on hand and our top quit smoking tips will also help. We’re here to help.
“Good luck to everyone who is making that tough but entirely positive decision to quit smoking.”
Note: This photograph was taken before physical distancing measures were required.
