Thursday 11 May 2017

Health Matters: Smoking Cessation In UK


The public health department of UK wants to see its nation tobacco-free by 2025.

Despite a steady decline in smoking rates, one in five adults still smoke and there are more than 90,000 regular smokers.

Smoking causes nearly 18% of all deaths in UK, especially people who are above 35 years of age.

People who reside in more deprived areas are vulnerable to smoke and are less likely to stop smoking. Smoking is the main contributors to health problems and it is more common in people with chronic mental health issues.

The number of smokers has come down to nearly 30% over the past 20 years. However, it is barely changed in those who have history of mental health issues.

Teenagers are more vulnerable to smoking, while two-thirds of them smoke before the age of 18. Children are prone to smoking if they live with people who smoke.

The public health department of England plans to help smokers quit by:
  • making tobacco less affordable
  • imposing effective regulation of tobacco products
  • preventing the promotion of tobacco
  • reducing exposure to passive smoking
  • improving awareness about its harmful effects on health
These actions need to be taken into account when it comes to smoking cessation.

Most smokers look for effective ways for smoking cessation but quitting is hard. Many people make numerous attempts before they actually succeed. It becomes more difficult when people deal with stress.

To improve your chances of smoking cessation, you need effective therapies such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), supportive social group and smoke-free environment.

NHS quit smoking services offer the best chance of smoking cessation success. NRT is found to be extremely effective when it comes to quitting smoking. Unfortunately, the number of people using NHS stop smoking services is low.

Quitting needs good referral sources and they may include GPs, pharmacists, psychologist, counsellor or any other medical professional. People who smoke due to mental health problems may need a combination of NRT and behavioural support.

Pharmacy Outlet, one of the UK’s registered online pharmacies, offers smoking cessation products that can help you beat the addiction.