NHS Western Isles encourages everyone to ‘Quit Your Way’ this No Smoking Day

NHS Western Isles is urging people across the Western Isles to take the first step towards a healthier, happier future by choosing to ‘Quit Your Way’ this No Smoking Day. This year’s campaign focuses on the four major “wins” of quitting smoking: better health, improved finances, increased fitness, and protecting family wellbeing.

Stopping smoking has immediate and long-lasting health benefits. Within 20 minutes of quitting, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. Over time, lung function improves, circulation gets better, and the risk of heart attack and cancer significantly decreases.

The average person who smokes could save around £205 a month if they quit smoking. After a year not smoking, a person could see savings of £2,430.

Quitting smoking improves fitness levels. Many people report feeling more energetic and able to return to activities they enjoy, such as walking, running, or exercising without feeling breathless.

Do it for your family. Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of lung cancer for those around you by a third by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke.

Local quitters have shared their experiences of using the NHS Western Isles Quit Your Way service:

After 1 week of quitting, one service user stated: “It is really difficult to stop smoking. But with the help of the service – it really helps. Difficult times for me is when I am craving a cigarette. I decided after getting my patches and gum to stop 2 weeks in. I have started running again and this has really helped to get my mind off it. Best thing I ever did for my health.”

Also using patches and lozenges, another service user encourages everyone to do it: “Just quit. Take it a day at a time. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Start again.”

After 3 months, one service user said: “It was really hard at the start. I had times when I struggled. The patches and gum were amazing and really helped me as well as calls from Smoking Cessation.”

Another service user shared how much better they felt: “I can’t believe how much better I feel. I can breathe so much easier now and the coughing has stopped. Used patches and inhalator.”

After 1 year of quitting, another service user said: “I feel so much better. For the first time I feel so much happier too. I have more energy and I feel healthier. I used patches and gum.”

The following health benefits can be experienced over time when you stop smoking:

• CO levels reduce almost immediately.  
• Within a few days, breathing and lung function significantly improves.
• Between 2-12 weeks, circulation improves.
• After 6 weeks, mental health starts to improve.
• Between 2-9 months, coughing and wheezing is reduced.
• After one year, risk of heart attack reduces by half.
• After one year, distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms are significantly improved.
• After 10 years, risk of lung cancer reduces to half that of someone who has never smoked.
• After 15 years, risk of heart disease is that of someone who has never smoked.

Mags Ralston, NHS Western Isles Smoking Cessation Coordinator, said: “No Smoking Day isn’t about giving something up – it’s about taking your life back. Every cigarette not smoked is a win. Today is your fresh start.”

If you’re ready to quit smoking and want support tailored to your needs, contact the NHS Western Isles Quit Your Way service by emailing wi.hebridesquityourway@nhs.scot or telephoning 01851 708040, or visit: Quit Your Way Hebrides – NHS Western Isles | Serving the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.