This January, the City of York Council made combatting smoking one of their new year priorities.
Rather than encouraging people to “give up”, they argued for the gains. Pointing out that swapping cigarettes for (much cheaper) nicotine alternatives like gum and patches have huge financial benefits, whilst adding that complete nicotine independence can have huge advantages for mental health.
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said “There is a misconception that smoking relieves anxiety, when in fact it creates it. The relief that people feel when they have a cigarette is because they are giving their body the drug (nicotine) that it has been withdrawing from.”
The key to progress lies in getting people to the stage at which they’re ready to move away from tobacco. Unlike traditional cigarettes, nicotine replacement products can be gradually reduced until they are no longer needed at all. Studies show that once a person is nicotine free, their mental health will dramatically improve.
To sign up for the council’s free service, complete the online referral form, message 07789 946 384, call 01904 553377, or email cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk.
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