Monica Lennon urges Central Scotland residents to ‘quit and win’ on No Smoking Day
Monica LennonMSP is backing a health charity’s campaign on national No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8th March 2023) by urging Central Scotland residents to make a quit smoking attempt to benefit their health, wellbeing and personal finances.
The Scottish Labour and Co-op Party MSP is supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which is highlighting that giving up smoking brings health benefits such as decreasing the risks of coronary heart disease and lung cancer, after one year and 10 years respectively, by about 50% compared to people who continue to smoke tobacco.
New analysis released by the charity also suggests that an average Scottish household containing people who smoke could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting smoking.
Monica LennonMSP said: “I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign and urge my constituents in Central Scotland who smoke to reach out to local Quit Your Way services which provide free support and can help develop a personalised quit plan.
“The charity advises me that two thirds of adults in Scotland who smoke say they wish they had never started so what better time than now to make a fresh start by deciding to quit? If you’ve tried to give up before, don’t be discouraged as it can take a number of attempts but will be the best thing you can do for your health, finances, as well as your friends and family.”
Alan Dalziel, ASH Scotland’s Senior Manager for Policy, said: “We are delighted to have Monica LennonMSP’s support for our ‘Quit and Win’ campaign on No Smoking Day.
“Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities and it is more important than ever that people in Central Scotland facing everyday stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.
“Using Quit Your Way services can have huge positive impacts on quit smoking attempts and will significantly boost people’s health and finances when they succeed.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact Quit Your Way by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot
ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. To keep updated about the charity’s activities, follow www.instagram.com/ash.scotland and www.twitter.com/ASHScotland.