MAYOR of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Maolíosa McHugh is supporting ‘World No Tobacco Day’ this Thursday, May 31, 2018 – and is encouraging people throughout the city & district to avail of the local support available to help ‘kick the habit’.The World Health Organisation’s focus for this year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day 2018’ is the theme ‘Tobacco Breaks Hearts’ – and aims to increase awareness of the link between tobacco and heart and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke, which combined are the world’s leading causes of death.
Mayor McHugh said: “I am delighted to support this important campaign which aims to tackle the problems associated with tobacco and the impact this has on the health of those that smoke.
“I know that quitting can be difficult – but there is a lot of support available locally, including through the Western Health & Social Care Trust who offer a wide range of services.
“Stopping smoking is not only one of the best things that you can do to boost your health – but it’s also great for your bank balance as well, saving you up to £3500 per year.
“I’d therefore encourage smokers throughout the city & district to join millions globally who will be trying to quit on ‘World No Tobacco Day’.”
Tobacco Control officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Conor Logue added: “Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland, with one in every six deaths being attributable to smoking.
“Of great concern to us locally is that, with 23.3% of adults smoking, Derry City and Strabane District Council is second only to Belfast among the 11 district councils in having the highest estimated smoking prevalence.
“In order to reduce the harm caused by smoking, the Department of Health published a ‘Ten Year Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland’. This strategy has three key objectives which aim to ensure fewer people are smoking, more smokers are quitting, and that there is protection for all citizens from second-hand smoke.
“As Council has the responsibility for enforcing a wide range of tobacco control legislation, we have an important role to play in helping to achieve these objectives throughout the city and district.
“We will therefore continue to support campaigns both locally and globally like ‘World No Tobacco Day’ which raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and aim to discourage people from taking up the habit.”
The Western Health and Social Care Trust offers a range of services to smokers who want to find out more about quitting.
These include community ‘Drop In clinics’ across the Trust area staffed by specialist nurses who can provide help and advice around nicotine replacement products as well as ongoing support to those who want to quit.
Anyone wishing to speak to one the Trust’s healthcare professionals or the Stop Smoking Team can call the helpline on 08009179388 or additional information can be viewed at http://www.westerntrust.hscni.net/livewell/SmokingCessation.htm .
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