If you can quit smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. Starting from the 2nd March 2021, people who smoke all over Ireland will be taking the 28-day challenge.
According to recent research, the COVID-19 pandemic was a trigger for some to start smoking again. This is not surprising given that many use smoking as a way of managing stress. Smoking does not actually reduce stress but actually speeds up the heart rate and increases blood pressure. The research also showed that four in five people (79%) who smoke intend to kick the habit, and those who succeed in quitting for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, said:
“Most people who smoke want to quit but, for many, the idea of quitting can seem like a big hill to climb. We want to let people know that the Quit service can help you plan for quitting and ways you can cope with difficult periods in your life without smoking. If you have quit before, you know that you can do it again and this time for good. There is the physical cravings for nicotine, the psychological dependence and the emotional dependence, which all need to be worked on when quitting.
The HSE Quit Service has professionally trained staff who can assess your nicotine dependence, your smoking pattern and triggers and can help by providing the tools and supports to make quitting possible. This practical support and resources give you the best chance of making it to Day 28 and once you reach that, you are well on the way to long-term success and the benefits of a smoke-free life.”
If you are a HSE staff member, you can avail of free stop smoking medication to help you stop smoking throughout March and at any other time of the year. You can use a combination of stop smoking medication (nicotine replacement therapies and/or a prescription drug called Champix) and receive support from a HSE Stop Smoking Advisor.
To find how you can access free stop smoking medication in your area, please click here.
Dr Paul Kavanagh, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE said:
“Smoking is incredibly harmful. One in two smokers will die from tobacco-related disease and a smoker can expect to lose on average about 10 years of life due to smoking. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health, for your future and for your loved ones.”
“The good news is that quitting smoking helps build up your natural resistance to all types of infections including COVID-19. When you stop, the natural hairs in your airways (cilia) begin to work again. Within one to two days, the oxygen levels in your body will improve. Your blood pressure and pulse reduce, which in turn decreases the overall stress on your body.”
Make March the month you quit for good and take advantage of the free support available from HSE QUIT services.
