The East Riding's Health and Wellbeing Board is encouraging smokers to quit for the 28 days of Stoptober, as smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in England.
East Riding residents can access free support to help them quit smoking, commissioned by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and provided by Xyla. The Xyla Healthier Futures programme is offering up to 12 weeks of complimentary nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), presenting options like patches, gums, sprays, and other substitutes.
The team provide support to form healthy and lasting habits to stop smoking, including help with controlling cravings and behaviour change techniques, plus the choice of face-to-face sessions or a fully remote online programme.
Research shows that once the initial withdrawal stage is overcome, quitters experience reduced anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved mood, compared to those who continue to smoke.
The benefits of quitting smoking start almost immediately. Within 8 hours, harmful carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease by half. After 48 hours, the senses of taste and smell begin to improve. Circulation improves within 2 to 12 weeks, and lung function increases by up to 10 percent within 3 to 9 months.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, stated: "People who stop smoking for the 28 days of Stoptober are five times more likely to quit for good. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and when you stop there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
"It's never too late to quit smoking. Even if you've tried quitting before, give it another go this Stoptober.
"As a Board we support the government plans for a future smokefree generation, by Stopping the Start. We are also committed to helping smokers quit."
For further information and support, visit eryc. link/quit-smoking or dial 0330 236 9102.
