WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER, 2015

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 10AM, FRIDAY, 30 OCTOBER, MAIN CONCOURSE, NINEWELLS HOSPITAL

‘Hocus Pocus, do not choke us’ –message to smokers this Halloween

A Halloween-themed event to raise awareness about the effects of smoking and passive smoking was held at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee today (Friday).

‘Hocus pocus, do not choke us’ was the theme ‘witch’ NHS Tayside Smoke Free Services were promoting to encourage staff and visitors at Ninewells Hospital to think about the effects of smoking and second hand smoke.

People visiting the information event were invited to bin their cigarettes in the Halloween cauldron and get advice about making a quit attempt. Smokers are four times more likely to quit using a combination of support and treatment through their free NHS stop smoking services.

Smoky environments can be detrimental to health by causing cardiovascular and respiratory problems not just to the smoker but to those who are also breathing in the smoke. Second hand smoke is only 85% visible and air pollution is on average eight times higher in homes where smoking is permitted.

Smokers are encouraged to take measures to protect others from smoking but stopping smoking is the best way to prevent any harm.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including ingredients that are used in ant poison, rocket fuel and floor cleaner.

Babies and children who are exposed to smoking are more likely to have more chest infections, colds, coughs and bronchitis. They are also twice as likely to suffer from asthma.

Family pets are also at risk from passive smoking as cats exposed to second hand smoke have a higher rate of oral cancer and dogs have a higher rate of nasal and lung cancers.

Alice Burns, NHS Tayside smoking cessation co-ordinator for acute services, said, “Although the Halloween themed event is a bit of fun, smoking is a serious issue. Every 10 minutes, someone is hospitalised with a smoking-related illness in Scotland and we want to change this.

“We know that over 70% of smokers want to quit and by highlighting some of the health issues for themselves and their loved ones we hope that people will find a good reason to take that step towards stopping.

“Stopping smoking can lower the risk of heart disease and cancers, as well as improve breathing, circulation and energy levels.”

Giving up smoking is the single most important lifestyle decision that anyone can make to improve their health immediately.

Anyone who wants to stop smoking can call NHS Tayside Smoke Free Services on 0845 600 999 6 to find out about all the ways in which NHS Tayside can help support people to become smoke free. You can also join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nhstaysidesmokefree

Health benefits to quitting smoking

• 20 minutes after quitting your blood pressure and pulse return to normal

• 48 hours - no nicotine is left in your body. Your senses of taste and smell are greatly improved

• 72 hours - your breathing becomes easier and your energy levels increase

• 2-12 weeks after quitting smoking your circulation improves and exercise can be easier

• 3-9 months - any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve

• Within one year the risk of heart attack is halved

• Within 10 years the risk of lung cancer is halved and the risk of heart attack is at the same level as non-smokers

• Medium to long term – stopping smoking at any age increases your life expectancy, provided you stop before the onset of serious disease. Even if you have developed a disease, you can benefit from stopping as your body will be under less strain and be able to fight it more easily.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134