'Fewer smokers' in new year
One in eight smokers tries to quit during January
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Monday, 31, Dec 2007 10:32
A desire to kick-start a healthier lifestyle in the new year could see as many as 1.2 million people try to quit smoking in January.
Research suggests that January is the most popular month to quit smoking, with the equivalent of every adult in Bristol, Coventry, Manchester and Newcastle attempting to kick the habit in the first month of 2007.
It is estimated that about one in eight smokers try to stop smoking during January.
Studies suggest that people who try to quit smoking during the first month of the year are the most likely to succeed.
A new advertising campaign is being launched by the government in the new year to promote the support on offer in the NHS for people trying to quit.
Adverts will run until March highlighting the service available.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said about 130,000 smokers successfully quit between January and March 2007 with the help of NHS 'stop smoking' services.
"Many more got help from the NHS smoking helpline, our interactive together programme and nicotine replacement products available on prescription," she told the Press Association.
"Research has shown that smokers who quit with NHS support are up to four times more likely to succeed."
Ms Primarolo added: "Quitting is not easy and it can take some smokers several times to get off cigarettes for good."