10-Year Warning For Persistent Smokers

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 10 Oct 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Launched by SmokeFree Greater Manchester, innovative techniques are being used to persuade smokers to quit the harmful habit, including showing the damaging effect on their appearance.

In a reversal of the hit TV show "Ten Years Younger", where participants are given a makeover to roll back the years, smokers in Oldham were shown how they will look in ten years time if they keep smoking. The tactic of appealing to people's vanity was part of a package of measures being used as smokers across Oldham were invited to hop on to the Quit It bus to help stop. Specialist NHS Stop Smoking advisors were on board to give practical help and advice as they shopped.

High-tech age progression software was used to show how people will look in ten years time if they continue to smoke, including extra wrinkles and dry skin with a yellowish taint.

Lung capacity testing also spelt out the health dangers, while experts on healthy eating were also at hand to provide tips on how people can keep their weight under control after quitting.

With the ban on smoking in public places fully enforced now is the perfect time to quit.

Liz Woodworth, Oldham PCT's Stop Smoking service co-ordinator, said: "Our aim is to help and support people to quit smoking.

"Our message is, all is not lost - there is still the opportunity to obtain help and support to kick the habit."

Smokers are four times more likely to quit using such a service, which can support people in a number of ways, including holding group sessions, one-to-one support or telephone advice

http://www.ash.org.uk

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