Smokers underestimate the risks

MORE than half of Warrington’s smokers underestimate how damaging smoking is to their personal health and finances.
New NHS research shows that 84 per cent of smokers massively underestimate the number of people who die annually from smoking related disease.
The actual figure for the North West is more than 80,000 a year – but 84 per cent of smokers believe it is less than 10,000.
Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of smokers in the region underestimate how many long term smokers die early from smoking related disease – the actual figure is that 1 in 2 of all long term smokers will die early from smoking related disease.
Amazingly, 9 per cent of smokers still do not believe that smoking can seriously damage their health and lead to premature death.
Smokers in Warrington also underestimate the financial costs of smoking.
On average smokers estimate that smoking 20-a-day is costing them £1,745 per year when the actual cost is £2,405.
Although many smokers plan to quit, the NHS research found that various myths around stopping smoking are preventing people from quitting.
Thirty five per cent say they are too stressed to try and the same number don’t try because they tried before and failed.
Forty three per cent say they don’t have the willpower required.
In reality, research shows that smoking causes more stress and anxiety than not smoking and that quitting can help to reduce stress.
In Warrington, 347 people died from smoking related illnesses in 2009. Research has shown that smokers who quit with NHS support are up to four times more likely to succeed.
Help is at hand for the thousands of smokers who want to quit with an NHS “Quit Kit” available from pharmacies. The nearest stockist can be found online at www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Warrington Borough Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Pat Wright (pictured), said: “Quitting is not easy, but it can be made less difficult with the right support and tools. Warrington’s Stop Smoking Service is here to help people break the cycle of addiction and quit for good. If you are thinking about stopping smoking in 2012 and would like to talk to someone please contact the service on 01925 843713.”