Almost 14,000 smokers have registered for help to quit their habit during last month’s Stoptober campaign.
The 28 day stop smoking challenge, which ended last week, provided a range of free advice for smokers including stop smoking packs, daily email and text support as well as an app that smokers were able to download.
Research has shown that if someone can stop smoking for 28 days they are five times more likely to stop smoking permanently.
To help spread the campaign message, Stoptober was supported by a number of organisations and businesses throughout Wales with the campaign being launched at Arriva Trains by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey.
Dr Hussey said: “It is extremely encouraging that so many people registered for the Stoptober packs and took up the challenge of giving up smoking for 28 days.
“Those that did will already be feeling the benefit of giving up such as enjoying the taste of food more, saving money and no longer experiencing the smell of stale tobacco.
“There are obviously many health benefits of stopping smoking and those that do give up permanently reduce their risk of suffering from heart attacks and lung cancer.
Dr Patricia Riordan, Director of Health and Healthcare Improvement at Public Health Wales, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone who has quit smoking this Stoptober. It is great to see so many people giving up this year.
“The benefits of being smoke-free are immediate, whatever your age. Within weeks your breathing and circulation will improve, and the risk of serious illness starts to reduce.
“There is still help out there for people wanting to take the challenge further and give up for good through Stop Smoking Wales. It offers free sessions for people across Wales and can provide valuable support to smokers wanting to quit. Thousands of people contact the service every year, and with the help of Stop Smoking Wales you are four times more likely to quit.”
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What percentage of smokers is that 14,000?
The number itself sounds impressive, especially if they all quit, but, if it's only 1% of all smokers or a number relatively low, hen the campaign was a waste of time, effort, resources and money.
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