Six a week die through smoking

SIX people in Warrington die from smoking related diseases every week.
More than half – 60 per cent – admit their smoking causes worry or arguments and 53 per cent feel guilty and anxious about the impact their habit has on family and friends.
Almost a third – 28 per cent – vowed to cut down over the festive season because it’s a special family occasion, according to new research conducted for local NHS Stop Smoking Services.
The survey, supported by the region-wide collaborative tobacco programme Smokefree North West, also reveals that more than a third – 34 per cent – of smokers in the region were planning to stop completely in the New Year.
Smoking emerges as a key catalyst for family rows with 60 per cent believing their smoking causes arguments in their relationships.
A further 25 per cent admit to concealing their smoking from their partner or family, using tactics such as lying about the amount they smoke or even whether they have smoked at all, through to inventing reasons to get out of the house and have a cigarette.
Andrea Crossfield, director of Smokefree North West, welcomed the results of the survey.
She said: “Six people in Warrington die every week from smoking related diseases, which has a devastating effect on families, particularly children. It’s very encouraging to see so many smokers in the region taking note of the concerns of their family and friends and planning to be smokefree in 2009.
“Research shows that parents who smoke will dramatically increase their child’s chances of becoming a smoker too. By quitting smoking, parents will not only improve their own health, they will also have a positive impact on the future health of their children.”
Anyone thinking of quitting smoking shouldcall the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. They can speak to a trained adviser who can tell them all about the range of free support available from the NHS to help them quit.