No Smoking Day is an annual event that takes place on the second Wednesday of March every year. It is a day dedicated to encouraging smokers to quit smoking and raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. No Smoking Day was first observed in the United Kingdom in 1984, and since then, it has become a global event that is observed in many countries around the world.
No Smoking Day provides an opportunity for smokers to reflect on their smoking habits and make a commitment to quit smoking. It also provides support and resources to help smokers quit, such as information on the health benefits of quitting, smoking cessation aids, and tips for dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Benefits of Leaving Smoking
Smoking is a major public health issue that causes numerous health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and other serious illnesses. Smoking not only harms the smoker but also affects those around them. Second-hand smoke can cause cancer, heart disease, and other health problems in non-smokers.
There are many benefits to quitting smoking, including improved health, increased lifespan, and better quality of life. Within just a few hours of quitting smoking, the body begins to heal and recover. Blood pressure and heart rate return to normal, and the risk of heart attack and stroke begins to decrease. Within a few weeks, lung function begins to improve, and breathing becomes easier. Within a few months, the risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related illnesses begins to decrease, and the risk of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) begins to decline.
There are many different methods for quitting smoking, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people quit cold turkey, while others use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as gum, patches, or lozenges, or prescription medications, such as bupropion or varenicline. Others may find support from smoking cessation programs, counseling, or group therapy.
1/Today for #NoSmokingDay, our Cancer Campaigns Ambassadors, supported by over 2,000 fellow campaigners in England, are urging the UK Govt to take action on tobacco now.
This is our message to the Health Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, @SteveBarclay & @Jeremy_Hunt. pic.twitter.com/eVuR8bySHF
— Cancer Research UK Policy (@CRUK_Policy) March 8, 2023
If you’ve tried to quit in the past and haven’t been successful – don’t worry, you’re not alone. #NoSmokingDay is the perfect opportunity to give it another go.
You’re 3 times more likely to quit with specialist support.
For support, visit 👇
https://t.co/O9bvDK5QSU pic.twitter.com/uJ7pLPHge4— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) March 8, 2023