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Quitting the habit
02/01/2009
Smokers should make 2009 the year they stub out smoking for good - that's the message from Public Health Minister Shona Robison.
As quitting smoking is the biggest single thing anyone can do to improve their health, the minister urged all smokers to make it their New Year's resolution to stop smoking.
Ms Robison said:
"We're committed to doing all we can to reduce the number of smokers in Scotland, as part of our continuing drive to make Scotland smoke-free.
"The introduction of the ban on smoking in public places was a significant step forward and our challenge now is to continue to build on this momentum.
"We simply can't afford to ignore the horrendous damage that smoking does - both the human and economic costs are enormous.
"That's why I'd urge all smokers to make 2009 the year they give up smoking - for good.
"As well as helping people to quit smoking, we also recognise the need to prevent children and young people from starting to smoke or becoming regular smokers."
As part of a programme of youth prevention measures announced in May 2008, the Scottish Government will introduce further legislative controls on tobacco. Measures being considered include:
- Further restrictions the display of cigarettes and tobacco products at points of sale
- Banning the sale of cigarettes in packs of 10 and from vending machines
- Updating the statutory controls on the sale of tobacco products, with a view to introducing a register for tobacco retailers and new sanctions such as cautions and fixed penalty notices.
Legislation will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in 2009.
The NHS in Scotland is geared up to help smokers to quit and they can get information about services near them by calling Smokeline 0800 848 484.
NHS Health Scotland's stop smoking roadshows will visit locations across the country - from Glasgow to Shetland - throughout January and February to raise awareness of NHS stop smoking services. The first event takes place in Oakmall shopping centre in Greenock on January 5.
Kerry McKenzie, Health Improvement Programme Manager for Tobacco at NHS Health Scotland, said:
"It's all about practical support. Our research shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit if they combine nicotine replacement therapy with stop smoking sessions. So we are going all-out to show would-be quitters how much help is available free of charge from their local NHS board and give them the encouragement they need - with no preaching."
Scotland's Future is Smoke Free, A Smoking Prevention Action Plan, was published on May 21, 2008. The plan highlights what action the Scottish Government proposes to take to cut smoking rates.
Smoking in public places in Scotland was banned on March 26, 2006. On October 1, 2007, the minimum age for buying cigarettes was raised to 18.
Funding for smoking cessation has increased from £27 million in the last spending review to £33 million in this one.
Smoking is responsible for around 13,000 deaths and 35,500 hospital admissions each year. It costs the NHS more than £200 million a year for hospital treatment for smoking related illnesses.