County stages health MOTs on No Smoking Day (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

County stages health MOTs on No Smoking Day

3:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

Thousands of smokers in Wiltshire are being encouraged to ‘swap fags for swag’ and consider the financial benefits of quitting, this month on the 30th anniversary of No Smoking Day.

Nearly one in six UK adults smoke, including 17 per cent in Wiltshire. But UK figures show two thirds want to quit .

This year smokers are being encouraged to focus on what they could afford to buy if they were to quit for a day (saving £7), a week (£49), a month (£210) and a year (£2,555).

Today is No Smoking Day and to help smokers put out their cigarettes for good the Wiltshire Public Health’s NHS Stop Smoking Service is providing Free Health MOT assessments to smokers at three locations.

Maggie Rae, Corporate Director Wiltshire Council said: “One of the biggest incentives for smokers to quit comes from considering the real amount of money they spend on cigarettes and thinking about what themselves and their family could afford if they were to stop for good. “By tallying up the exact amount of money that could be saved, smokers can work towards an actual goal – be it a new pair of shoes, a family outing or paying off some bills.”

Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health and protection said: "We're offering an MOT health check for people who smoke as there could be concerns about the effect on their health. By having health checks this may help to harden their resolve to give up smoking for good and that makes it a worthwhile exercise."

A health event is being staged at Wickes in Canal Road, Trowbridge until 5pm today, with another event at Churchfields Industrial Estate, Telford Road, Salisbury, tomorrow.