New smokefree website helps Hertfordshire smokers to quit

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve many smokers decided to quit. For those people who are struggling to quit - don’t give up giving up! Help is on hand as NHS Hertfordshire launches a new smokefree website.

Liz Fisher from Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service says: "In my job as an NHS Stop Smoking Specialist, I have helped hundreds of people successfully stop smoking.  The new website is one more way that people can get help and support to quit.

“Once registered, users can gain access to interactive tools and information to support them to quit smoking.  There is also an option to enter group sessions which are a simulation of meeting for real, well almost, and we have injected a little 'fun factor' into the experience!

“As well as the new website your local NHS Stop Smoking Service can provide you with support and encouragement to help you quit for good – and it’s completely free!  You can get advice from a NHS Stop Smoking Adviser like me, one-to-one in person or by phone or in group sessions.  Your Adviser can also recommend the best treatments to help you quit, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Champix or Zyban to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms.  These are available for the price of a prescription – or free if you don’t pay prescription charges – and are much cheaper than buying NRT over the counter.

“Local Stop Smoking Services have been developed by experts and ex-smokers and with our support you are up to four times more likely to quit than if you choose to go it alone.  In fact, nine out of 10 smokers who have used their local NHS Stop Smoking Service would recommend it.”

Trevor, an ex-smoker, adds: “I have tried to give up smoking at least three times before without success.  When I went to my local Stop Smoking Service and explained my situation they recommended Champix.  This made giving up a lot easier than I thought it would be and I haven’t smoked for over four months now.”

For friendly advice and details of all the services available, please call 0800 389 3998 or visit the Smokefree website.

Smokefree Benefits Timeline

20 minutes after quitting – Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

8 hours – Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hours – Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body.  Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours – There is no nicotine in the body.  Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours – Breathing becomes easier.  Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks – Your circulation improves.

3-9 months – Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.

5 years – Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years – Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.  Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.