Thousands of Stockport smokers quit this Stoptober

31st October 2019

People across Stockport joined tens of thousands in the UK who chose to turn their back on cigarettes last month in the mass 28-day stop smoking challenge, Stoptober.

Stopping smoking for 28 days means you are 5 times more likely to quit for good, along with blood pumping to your heart and muscles much better as your circulation will have improved.

The new ex-smokers across Stockport are celebrating their first steps towards a healthier, smokefree life and are being encouraged by experts to keep going.

Quitters will find themselves enjoying even more benefits if they keep going after 28 days too, with any coughs, wheezing or breather problems improving after 3-9 months without a cigarette. This is due to your lung function increasing my 10% overall. After 1 year the risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a smoker.

Local GP Dr. Cath Briggs, who is also chair of NHS Stockport CCG, added “We know that if you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. If you’ve successfully managed to stay smokefree for 28 days, then well done!

“If you’ve quit for that long then all the evidence points to you being able to keep it going for good, so you’ve taken a huge step towards a healthier, and wealthier, future for you and your family.

“But don’t worry if you missed Stoptober or found it difficult to stay smokefree for the month, it’s never too late to start your own quit attempt and there’s plenty of help out there for you.”

Cllr Jude Wells, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, said: “Well done to everyone in Stockport who has taken part in Stoptober.

“Although Stoptober has ended there is still a wide range of support available to keep going. Our Stop smoking services provides free advice and support and is available throughout the year.

“You’re far more likely to quit successfully if you get expert face-to-face help and support, so please get in touch on 0161 474 3141.”