Mark Pawsey MP urges smokers to 'take the leap' on No Smoking Day
Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, is encouraging thousands of smokers to 'take the leap' and stop smoking this month on No Smoking Day.
This year smokers are being asked carry out the campaign slogan 'take the leap' from February 29 ' leap year day ' and get ready to quit on No Smoking Day itself ' Wednesday 14 March.
Mark, posing with a giant version of the light-hearted campaign poster, said:
'Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to boost your health and the money in your pocket. Quitting can be hard, but there is lots of support available and you can do it in the knowledge that you'll be one of thousands of others trying to do the same thing.'
Mark added:
'I will be attending a No Smoking Day Roadshow in Rugby at the Asda store on the morning of Monday March 12th, where smokers will be able to have their carbon monoxide levels checked, and I hope that those smokers who are interested in quitting will take advantage of this.'
Mark concluded:
'One in five (21%)UK adults smoke (1), including 22 per cent of people in the West Midlands (2). But UK figures show two thirds want to quit (3).'
Sue Weston, who has co-ordinated No Smoking Day events in Warwickshire, said:
'As you may know, tobacco is still the biggest preventable cause of premature mortality and a major cause of health inequalities. Events like this play an essential role in raising awareness and encouraging smokers to consider giving up. Research has shown that No Smoking Day is one of the most cost effective health interventions of its kind.'
No Smoking Day, which recently merged with the British Heart Foundation, is an annual health campaign now in its 29th year. It is responsible for helping more than 750,000 smokers attempt to quit on the day, and for inspiring another two million to seek out information to help them quit in the future.
For more information on the benefits of quitting as well as top quit tips, visit www.taketheleap.co.uk
