Everyone knows that smoking is bad for them, but No Smoking Day has been established to remind people about the serious health risks of lighting up.
The campaign, which was launched in 1984, is aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of quitting smoking, not only for smokers themselves but for their loved ones.
Although it encourages people to ditch cigarettes for one day, its intention is to show that smokers can quit for good if they take it step by step.
And the biggest incentive to stop smoking is to reduce the risk of serious health complications.
The health risks of smoking
According to a study published in the journal Addictive Behaviours, which was conducted by the University College London, the University of Bristol, and King’s College London, together with Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), one in 20 people still risk their wellbeing by smoking.
Additionally, smokers are now more likely to drink higher quantities of alcohol that risks their safety. This figure rose from 21 per cent in 2019 to 30 per cent in 2022.
Furthermore, smoking doesn’t just have physical complications, but it impacts smokers’ mental health. For instance, the report revealed half of those who smoke and drink at risky levels have had psychological distress in the last month.
Almost as many (45 per cent) have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
The health risks of smoking include an increased likelihood of developing cancer, as well as having a heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and erectile dysfunction.
It can also affect fertility for both men and women; worsen respiratory problems; and make it harder to recover from surgery.
Indeed, deputy chief executive at ASH Hazel Cheeseman, said: “Smoking steals on average ten years of life.”
Increases risk of dementia
Additionally, it increases the risk of developing dementia, which, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK, is the most feared health condition for the over-55s.
Smoking is such a big risk factor for dementia that if everyone stopped, this could either prevent or delay up to 40 per cent of cases.
Despite this, only 18 per cent of smokers are aware that cigarettes increase the risk of developing dementia.
How to quit
Of course, quitting is easier said than done, and those who don’t want to increase their chance of getting seriously ill could benefit from the No Smoking Day campaign’s key messages.
These reminders include quitting doesn’t have to be painful; quitting isn’t always easy; and No Smoking Day is the perfect time to start.
There are lots of stop smoking aids available from local pharmacies these days, including nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum, e-cigarettes, and medication.
Gadgets such as breathing necklaces or fidgets could also help smokers to break the habit of puffing or holding something in their hands.
Many people also find vaping as an effective way to help them quit, as it allows them to carry out the same actions as smoking but without the harsh effects of tobacco consumption.