Annual 'Stoptober' campaign begins

Smokers are being encouraged to challenge themselves to quit the habit for 'Stoptober'.

The annual campaign asks those who smoke to turn away from cigarettes for October, with officials saying those who make it the distance are five times more likely to quit for good.

Cabinet Office Member, Lawrie Hooper MHK, says: "If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.  The benefits start quickly, after just 72 hours, breathing becomes easier.  After a year, the risk of having a heart attack is halved.  After a decade, the risk of death from lung cancer is halved.

"In light of the ongoing threat from COVID-19, a respiratory disease, smokers need to be mindful that they are more vulnerable than non-smokers - I hope this encourages more people to make 2020 the year they quit."

Those wanting to take up the challenge are being invited to get in touch with the Island's free specialist stop smoking service, Quit4You, by e-mailing quit4you@gov.im or calling 642 404.