This year’s national awareness-raising day on Wednesday 8th March is highlighting that smoking not only causes life-threatening cancers, strokes and diabetes, but also increases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.
While the number of people in Kent who smoke is at a record low, some 167,000 residents continue to face serious health issues from smoking – and just a fifth of smokers in the South East are aware this includes heart-breaking diseases such as Alzheimer's.
The good news is that stopping smoking can quickly lead to improved health – and local support is on hand to help you do just that.
“With smokers seeking professional help three times more likely to successfully stop smoking than those who rely on willpower alone, we’d encourage anyone wanting to quit to contact the free One You Kent smoke free service. Do not feel you have to go it alone.”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “With every cigarette containing harmful chemicals that are bad for the brain, stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and cut the chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer's.
“But we all know smoking is extremely addictive; and, while quitting can be life-changing, helping you breathe easier and feel fitter, many people need help to kick the habit.
“With smokers seeking professional help three times more likely to successfully stop smoking than those who rely on willpower alone, we’d encourage anyone wanting to quit to contact the free One You Kent smokefree service. Do not feel you have to go it alone.”
You can find out more about the One You Kent smokefree service, and fill out an easy self-referral form, at www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree or Text ‘QUIT’ to 87023.You can also call 0300 123 1220 to speak to a friendly adviser.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) run One You Kent smokefree services across the county.
“No Smoking Day is the perfect time to quit smoking when thousands of other people are stopping too”
Mark Cummings, Head of Service at KCHFT One You Kent, said: “No Smoking Day is the perfect time to quit smoking when thousands of other people are stopping too. And if you have tried to give up nicotine before, and failed, don’t let that put you off trying again – with our help.
“From face-to-face, one-to-one sessions, to support over the phone and video calls to virtual groups, from the comfort of your home, our professional team has helped thousands of people in Kent enjoy a smokefree future. Through a range of services designed to fit in with people's busy lives, we can help you too.”
For a range of information, practical tips, local services and inspiring case studies that can help you to stop smoking, go to www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree
To find out more about dementia and Alzheimer's visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or watch this short explainer video: youtu.be/HobxLbPhrMc
