Stopping smoking for 28 days means you are 5 times more likely to quit for good
The HSE is calling on people who smoke to take on the 28-day #TheLastStop no smoking challenge in March.
According to the HSE, research shows that if you can quit smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. Starting from March 2, a campaign will run for people who smoke across the country to take the 28-day challenge.
The HSE is now calling on all smokers to take advantage of the free support available from HSE Quit including a Quit Kit, daily messages or phone calls, an online Quit plan, face to face support from their local Stop Smoking Advisor and daily tips on the You Can Quit Facebook page.
Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, stated: “We know that seven out of 10 people who smoke want to quit. However, an important step that people often miss out on is the preparation. Setting a date to quit and equipping yourself with the information, tools and supports you need to quit will make a huge difference. On an average day, the HSE supports 1,500 people to stop smoking. Get in touch with the Quit Service now and get ready to quit on March 2nd.”
Research commissioned by the HSE found over 5 in 10 people were interested in using a Stop Smoking Medicine to help them quit, making these the most popular option. However, when it came to making their last quit attempt, three in 10 people used no help and three in 10 people used e-cigarettes.
Dr Paul Kavanagh, HSE Public Health Medicine Specialist, said: “It is great that so many people who smoke are interested in quitting and making quit attempts - around half a million people tried to quit last year. It is a big step to take, and we want to be sure that people have the information and support they need to maximise their chance of becoming smoke free.
This March, six Quit Leaders from across the country will be quitting smoking with support from HSE Quit. You can follow their progress on Quit.ie and find out details of the Quit Roadshow where you can get the information you need to help you quit.
The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free support, by phone, email, SMS and live chat. Smokers can free call 1800 201 203 or visit www.QUIT.ie for stop smoking tips and resources, a free QUIT Kit, and to create a QUIT Plan or read other people’s stories. Peer-to-peer support is available on the QUIT Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HSEQUIT or on Twitter at HSE QUIT @HSEQuitTeam #TheLastStop #QuitandWin
