No Smoking Day - UUP

“This year’s theme of ‘Break free - we can help’ offers a positive message to those thinking about taking a stand against this all too common addiction,” the UUP councillor said.

“With approximately 2,300 people dying each year, smoking is the greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland. This is an issue that, unfortunately, will afflict many families.

“While helping people to quit is vital, we also need to ensure that the young people within our community aren’t sucked into this dangerous habit.

“This goes far beyond expense, bad teeth and affecting your senses of smell and taste – there is a shocking array of medical implications to boot.

“While a commonly known consequence of smoking is lung cancer, it also contributes to a frightening variety of other illnesses, including cancers of the stomach, cervix, kidney, and pancreas.

“For those who still have no desire to quit for the sake of their own health, it might be worth considering that the World Health Organisation has estimated that passive smoking kills nearly 600,000 people each year across the globe.

“While surveys have shown that the majority of smokers would like to give up, the addictive nature of nicotine can make it difficult. The key is to seek help, be it at your GP surgery, pharmacy or community centre.

“I commend the work done by our Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey and his Department in providing support by investing almost 9million between 2007/08 and 2009/10 for tobacco control initiatives. These have included smoking cessation programmes and the provision of Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

“Take the first step on March 10 and make your health – and the health of those around you – top of your agenda.”