13 March 2007
Since the workplace smoking ban was introduced on January 2nd this year over 400 local people have thought seriously about their smoking habits and signed up to The States of Jersey Help2Quit free support service. Making a Fresh Start is the national theme for this year’s No Smoking Day, Wednesday 14 March 2007 when many more smokers are expected to consider stopping smoking in order to improve their health.
In Jersey the focus of Making a Fresh Start in 2007 is on providing support for women who are pregnant to stop smoking. The local maternity group and public health teams are working together on a promotion called Quit and Win! Women can register their interest in stopping smoking and obtain the facts and support they require to help them in their quit attempt.
Smoking in pregnancy can increase the risk of morning sickness and birth complications for mothers. Smoking is linked to low birth weight and breathing problems for the baby. The good news is that stopping smoking at any time (whether you are trying for a baby, during pregnancy or looking after children) will improve the health of the individual and those around them, who will no longer be exposed to harmful second hand smoke.
Women who are pregnant or any person wishing to have free stop smoking support should telephone Help2Quit Free phone 0800 735 11 55
Those women who successfully stop smoking with the Help2Quit service by World No Tobacco Day 31st May 2007 may win a pampering prize kindly donated by Boots, The Cooperative Society, De Gruchy Hair and Beauty, Steve Torrance Photographer, and Modern Hotels.
Notes to editors:
For more information please contact Mirium Prior at Help2quit 01543 623755 No Smoking Day is a registered charity organised by an alliance of the UK’s health promotion agencies and major health charities www.nosmokingday.org.uk
12th March 2007
gov.je