Help for smokers to quit in the New Year

The New Year campaign, led by Public Health England is being backed by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Dr Chris Kenny, director of public health for Nottinghamshire County said: “We’re trying to break down some preconceptions that some smokers have about the damage they could be doing to themselves. We know that many people in Nottinghamshire smoke roll up cigarettes, and that often people think in some way that they are less damaging. In actual fact evidence shows that roll ups are at least as bad for your health as normal cigarettes.”

Whilst many smokers know that smoking causes cancer and harms the lungs and heart, the new report highlights how it also damages bones and muscles. Smoking causes progressive harm to the musculoskeletal system, and has a negative impact on bone mineral density.

Professor Kevin Fenton, national director for health and wellbeing for Public Health England added: “Much of the harm caused by smoking doesn’t become obvious until middle age but the invisible damage can start shockingly early - even by the late teens.

“The earlier a smoker quits the better, but quitting at any age can help reverse at least some of the damage. That’s why there is no time better than now to quit. Stop smoking and stop the rot.”

Smokers looking to quit can contact New Leaf on 0800 389 7712 or their GP.