"Be a 'Proud Quitter' this No Smoking Day"

by Gráinne Connolly

Thousands of smokers across the Mid Ulster area are being urged to "stub out their cigarettes" and become 'Proud Quitters' this No Smoking Day, Wednesday 14th March. 

Mid Ulster District Council, in partnership with the Public Health Agency, is also reminding members of the public to avail of their free stop smoking services available locally to help them quit. 

They've compiled the following Five Top Tips to assist quitting: 

• Decide a date to give up - and stick to it! 
   
• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
   
• Get support from your local stop smoking service - Visit www.want2stop.info for all local service providers.
  Also, let your family and friends know that you are quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
   
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes - Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
   
• Treat yourself - If you can, use the money you're saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.

 
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Kim Ashton said:

“No Smoking Day is one of the best times for smokers to quit so I would encourage them to use the free services available to them and make No Smoking Day the first day of their smoke free future.

“There is a range of services available that have an excellent track record in helping people to quit for good.

"Experienced stop smoking staff provide a friendly, supportive service in a relaxed environment.

"They’ll help you assess how addicted you are to nicotine, overcome the fear of quitting, cope with cravings, manage stress, avoid weight gain and adjust to a healthier lifestyle. 

"Smokers want the best way to quit and research has proven that they are four times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from stop smoking services than if they go it alone.”

For more information on the services available and useful tips on how to stop smoking, visit the Public Health Agency’s Want 2 Stop website atwww.want2stop.info where you can also order a Quit Kit free of charge, the first step in beginning your quit attempt. 

Any workplaces in the council area interested in accessing the free smoking cessation services for their organisation and employees should contactstopsmoking@midulstercouncil.org or telephone Environmental Health on 03000 132 132.