Liverpool’s health leaders are calling for people to take the first step towards a smoke-free future by quitting smoking, even if it is only for 24 hours. According to health officials, a small first step can lead to a life-changing transformation. In Liverpool, smoking is the main cause of preventable death and illness, and two of every three smokers will die of a smoking-related illness. Death from heart disease, strokes, cancer, dementia, and lung disease are other health problems that occur due to smoking, and it is the main cause of health inequalities in the city.
Women smoke less than men in Liverpool, but 61% of those who use smoking support services are women in 2023/24. To encourage more men to seek help, officials are urging them to take a bold but manageable first step by quitting smoking for a day, and increasing support services available for them to do so. Paul, a 58-year-old from Liverpool, is living proof that it is never too late to quit. His decision to stop smoking changed his life. Paul had to quit smoking 13 months ago because he had to undergo surgery for his spine. After his first two surgeries, he contracted sepsis, and his surgeon said it was because of his smoking. He was asked to quit so that he could undergo his third surgery, which he did, and his difference was remarkable. He got out of the hospital in just three days, whereas previously it took him up to four weeks because of sepsis.
The council is working with Smokefree Liverpool to encourage individuals to quit smoking, which according to officials is easier and achievable with a range of resources and personalised support available. Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, stressed that smoking is a significant health risk, and the average smoker loses about 50 days of life every year by continuing to smoke. Within a year of quitting, ex-smokers reduce their risk of heart attack, heart disease, or stroke by 50 percent. Doyle encourages people to quit smoking as it is one of the most effective steps one can take to improve their health. Meanwhile, Director of Public Health Professor Matthew Ashton emphasises the importance of patience and encouragement when supporting someone who’s trying to quit smoking. In general, it may take smokers around 30 attempts before they can quit smoking successfully. Giving up smoking is beneficial for health and well-being, and smokers should not stop the attempts of quitting smoking cigarettes even if it may take more than one try.
To begin the journey of quitting smoking, people can send a text message to QUIT1 on 61825, call 0151 3742535, or visit www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk for more information. Want to learn more about Paul’s journey to quit smoking? You can watch this video: https://youtu.be/JJxHyMaSjKs
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