- Stopping smoking for 28 days means you are 5 times more likely to quit for good
- Using the HSE Quit Service and Stop Smoking Medication is the best way to quit
- Visit QUIT.ie
This National No Smoking Day (Wednesday, 17 February 2021), the HSE calls on people who smoke to prepare to take on the 28-day #TheLastStop no smoking challenge in March.
Research show that four in five people (79%) who smoke intend to kick the habit, and those who succeed in quitting for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
COVID-19 was a trigger for some to start smoking again. This is not surprising given that many use smoking as a way of managing stress. Smoking does not actually reduce stress but speeds up the heart rate and increases blood pressure, increasing stress. Within one to two days of quitting, oxygen levels in your body will improve, your blood pressure and pulse reduce which in turn decreases the overall stress on your body.
Dr Paul Kavanagh, HSE Public Health Medicine Specialist, said:
Smoking is incredibly harmful. One in two smokers will die from tobacco-related disease and a smoker can expect to lose on average about 10 years of life due to smoking. Each week in Ireland, there are 1,000 smoking-related hospital admissions and this was before the onset of COVID-19. Those who smoke are at higher risk of becoming more ill from COVID-19 including hospital admission, ICU admission and death. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health, for your future and for your loved ones.
The good news is that quitting smoking gives you a better fighting chance against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, said:
Most people who smoke want to quit but, for many, the idea of quitting can seem like a big hill to climb. An important step that people often miss out on is the preparation. Setting a date to quit and equipping yourself with the information, tools and supports you need to quit will make a huge difference. Get in touch with the Quit Service now and get ready to quit on March 1st. If you have quit before, you know that you can do it again and this time for good. Finding out about Stop Smoking Medicines and the options available to you gives you the best chance of quitting for good.
This March, 12 Quit Leaders from across the country will be quitting smoking with support from HSE Quit. You can follow their progress on Quit.ie
Quit Leader, Colm Hiney, explains why he’s taking on the Quit Challenge this March:
Myself and my partner have just recently had a little baby girl and I want to give them up for her. I want to be a healthy and active father for her. I have tried numerous times before and stress has pushed me back to them. I want to join the quit leaders this March because I feel with the support of the other leaders and the HSE Quit Service I will be able to push through this time and quit for good.
The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free support by phone, email, SMS and live chat. Smokers can free call 1800 201 203 or visit www.QUIT.ie for stop smoking tips and resources, a free QUIT Kit, and to create a QUIT Plan. Peer-to-peer support is available on the QUIT Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HSEQUIT or on Twitter at HSE QUIT @HSEQuitTeam #TheLastStop #QuitandWin
Notes:
5 Top Tips to Quit Smoking:
- Prepare to quit: take a moment to write down your reasons for quitting. Keep them close to hand or even stick them on your fridge as a reminder to stay strong.
- Change your routine and habits – do you normally have a cigarette with a coffee or tea? Then change your routine – have a cup of water instead or hold your cup in the other hand.
- Keep check on cravings – your craving for nicotine will peak at 3-5 minutes and will pass if you deal with it. Have your heard of the 4Ds? 1. Delay at least 3-5 minutes and the urge will pass; 2. Drink a glass of water or fruit juice; 3. Distract yourself, move away from the situation; and 4. Deep breathe – breathe slowly and deeply.
- Get by with a little help from your friends – supportive friends, family and even work colleagues could make all the difference to you on your QUIT journey.
- The single best advice is to help yourself QUIT by getting support from the QUIT Team. Our service is available to everyone and is free of charge. By using a support service like our makes you twice as likely to succeed. Find details of your local free HSE stop smoking supports here.
HSE Health and Wellbeing are also hosting a webinar on National No Smoking Day, 12pm-1pm, Wednesday, 17th February inviting people and organisations to join forces with the HSE to build a Tobacco Free Ireland. Specialist staff will give insights into the support services available and the campaign calling for people to quit for good. Webinar registration link:https://bit.ly/3p227D6
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