The specialist stop smoking service, jointly offered by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft) and Lancashire County Council (LCC), is also using the day to warn of the danger to children’s health.
Asthma, a common lung condition caused by inflammation of the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs and causes breathing difficulties for sufferers, is often triggered by inhaling cigarette smoke, whether that be by passive or direct smoking.
Service Manager, Alex Kennedy, said:
“A lot of parents may not realise that children who are exposed to cigarette smoke in their homes are at higher risk of breathing problems, asthma, and allergies. So while you may feel like it’s only affecting you as the person smoking, it can have a detrimental effect on your loved ones too.
If you already have a lung condition, quitting smoking will help you cope with your symptoms and is likely to stop your condition from worsening.”
Janet Bowman, 71, who is retired and a former smoker from Blackpool took the decision to stop smoking for good back in January after starting at an early age.
She commented:
“Before stopping, I was out of breath frequently and so I went for a lung scan. After the results, I was contacted by Jo Rose from Quit Squad who was excellent with her encouragement, help and support I needed to stop. She tailored my prescriptions to my lifestyle and needs.
I no longer need to use the two inhalers I was prescribed as my breathlessness has improved since the second week of quitting.
The thing I am proudest of is that as I had smoked for a great many years, I didn't think I could achieve this goal but I have done it.”
Alex continued:
“We appreciate for many it’s not easy but you, like Janet, can take the decision to quit smoking. I want to assure you people that we will support you and you will not be judged.
We are extremely proud to have helped Janet and people just like her, who never thought they would know life without cigarettes. She is proof that with our help, you can kick the habit and overcome the addiction, improving your health and saving yourself lots of money in the process.”
Quit Squad provides 12 weeks of support and advice to help people to stop smoking including information on coping with triggers, habits, stress and weight gain.
There are a variety of different products available on prescription to aid quitting. Treatments are free if you do not pay for prescriptions.
Local residents can access the service directly by using the Freephone number 0800 328 6297 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, registering on the Quit Squad website or accessing 24/7 stop smoking support via the My Quit Route app.
Referrals from GP practices, practice nurses, other health professionals and hospitals are also accepted. Forms are available on request.
Pregnant women can access 24/7 stop smoking support to quit during pregnancy by downloading the Quit for Us app.
The only way to protect your friends and family from second-hand smoke is to keep the environment around them smoke free.
There is a lot of support available to help you to stop smoking and getting the right support can boost your chances of success by up to three times.
