Millions are expected to break free and stop smoking on Wednesday 10 March 2010. In its 27th year, No Smoking Day is encouraging all smokers to break free from their habit and escape the chains of addiction, and locally smokers are being encouraged to step up to the challenge on this day.

Smokers in Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council area already have access to continuing, help and support to encourage them to stop smoking through local GP's and Pharmacists. In addition to this service there are also support classes offered by Southern Health & Social Care Trust (SHSCT) held in South Tyrone Hospital each Thursday afternoon from 2-4.30pm and on Friday's from 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm in Out Patients.

Research indicates that the smokers who access help and support offered by these service providers can improve the chance of stopping successfully by up to four times.

Mayor Robert Mulligan said, "In 2008/09 adult smoking prevalence was 24%, and three quarters (75%) said that they would like to give up smoking. No Smoking Day provides an excellent opportunity for them to do that. By using the support available on No Smoking Day and throughout the year you can significantly increase your chance of success. Good luck to all smokers in the area who decide to break free from smoking on Wednesday 10th March."

The rewards being offered to anyone wishing to Break Free from smoking on No Smoking Day include their blood pressure and pulse returning to normal after 20 minutes of stopping to smoke, and carbon monoxide will be eliminated after 24 hours of their last cigarette.

Research indicates that by continuing to stop smoking after Wednesday 10th March, nicotine levels will be eliminated after 48 hours, with coughs and wheezing improving in the coming months and within 1 year the risk of a heart attack is halved.
Dan Tickle, Chief Executive of No Smoking Day, the charity behind the annual health awareness campaign, says, "Stopping smoking is the ultimate lifestyle overhaul. You'll feel fitter and healthier and have more energy and more money"

To make an appointment for the local support classes offered by the SHSCT please contact Cathy Murray, Smoking Cessation Specialist on (028) 37 520585/0544. On the morning of No Smoking Day information, advice and support will be available at SuperValu in Coalisland.

As part of No Smoking Day, Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council are running a competition offering one months free membership at Dungannon Leisure Centre to the prize winner.

Competition entries should answer the following questions;
1. What date is No Smoking Day in 2010?
2. Name the 3 main places locally where you can gain support to help quit smoking?
3. After how many minutes of stopping smoking does your blood pressure and pulse return to normal?
Entries should be returned before 24th March to No Smoking Day Competition, c/o Environmental Health Department, DSTBC, Circular Road, Dungannon. Please include your name, address, post code and contact telephone number.
-Ends-

Notes to editors

- For more information, please contact Ciara Boyle, Health Improvement Worker 028 8772 0300
- No Smoking Day is in its 27th year and is a registered charity supported by an alliance of the UK's health promotion agencies and major health charities.
- For more information on how to quit go to www.nosmokingday.org.uk

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 3 March 2010