The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging smokers to visit their local stop smoking services ahead of this year’s No Smoking Day on 11 March.
Previous surveys have shown that men in African Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities generally smoke more than men across the population. This becomes even more worrying when you consider that African Caribbean and South Asian men are also at an increased risk of health problems that are exacerbated by smoking, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Studies have found that smokers are four times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from NHS stop smoking services than if they go it alone.
Hamad-ul Rahman, 35 year-old ex-smoker, said: “I started smoking at fourteen because I saw my dad smoke. By the time I was in my 20’s I was smoking 20-30 a day.”
“When my wife and I got married I started to cut back with her support, and when she became pregnant with our first daughter, I decided to quit for good. I wanted to be an example to my kids, and I also wanted to be able to run about with them. Quitting smoking was the hardest thing of ever done, but I’m so glad that I did.”
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said: “Smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers. The good news is that stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health and the risk to your overall health decreases significantly soon after you stop...”
Smoking can also add to financial worries. A smoker with a 20-a-day habit will spend an average of £255 a month on cigarettes.
The BHF offers these top five tips to help you quit smoking:
Make a date to give up - and stick to it! This year’s No Smoking Day is Wednesday 11 March.
Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
Get support and let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful. You can also talk to local smoking cessation team.
Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you're saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.
Twitter: #NoSmokingDay
