New research carried out on behalf of Aviva Health Insurance has revealed that 61 per cent of Connacht and Ulster smokers claim an increase in socialising as the reason for smoking more during the Christmas period. In addition, more than half of Connacht and Ulster smokers are planning to quit the habit in the New Year during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Statistics from the Aviva research also showed that more than half of smokers smoked more than usual over the Christmas period, with 44 per cent admitting that they would smoke a full pack or more than they would in a normal week over the Christmas break. Meanwhile, 17 per cent stated “I have more free time” as the reason for the increase in smoking and 39 per cent as “it’s outside my normal routine”, while other reasons included “no work restrictions”, “boredom”, and “I’m treating myself”.
Recent figures from the Office of Tobacco Control show that while there has been a decline in smoking in Ireland since the introduction of the workplace smoking ban, 23.6 per cent of Irish people still smoke. The research also shows that a higher percentage of men are smokers. Furthermore, the ongoing trend of young smokers remains, with smoking rates the highest for 25 to 34-year-olds.
Commenting on the research, GP on Aviva’s Medical Council, Dr Stephen Murphy said: “If you are a smoker, it is important to understand the impact that your habit is having on your health. Smoking not only increases your risk of cancer but it also affects your cardiovascular system, making your blood clot more easily. In the long term this can lead to a blocked artery in your heart or your brain that can cause a heart attack or stroke. New figures issued by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland are also showing that lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the main cause of cancer death in women. The New Year is a great opportunity to make a change so I would encourage anyone thinking of quitting in 2012 to stick with it and your body will reap the benefits now and in years to come.”
He added: “I would urge people to complete Aviva’s new online health check called Aviva Way to Health available at www.avivahealth.ie to make a first step for a healthier 2012.”
