Dr Katherine Hickman supports the Living Well stop smoking campaign

In this film Dr Hickman, a Bradford GP, talks about smoking not being a lifestyle choice, but a long term relapsing condition that often starts in childhood, starting with one mistake, the first cigarette.

Dr Hickman goes on to say that within just a few days of stopping smoking you will feel the benefits, your blood pressure will be lower, you will feel better, you’ll be less short of breath and coughing eases. Over time those symptoms of smoking will disappear altogether. If you have a smoking related illness like COPD or emphysema and you stop smoking it will slow the progression of that disease rapidly.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death globally and quitting is the single best thing a smoker can do to improve their health, reducing the risks of heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease and cancer. Smokers know it isn’t easy, but with help from our free service, even if you have tried before, this time you CAN quit, and we CAN help!

If you’re ready to start your own quit journey, you’re three times more likely to quit using the Living Well stop smoking service.

At your first appointment a specially trained Living Well stop smoking advisor will discuss everything with you and create a tailored, personal quit plan that works for you. They will help you decide the best way to combat nicotine cravings and can also prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT). The service is completely free of charge, you will only pay for prescribed NRT treatments if you usually pay for your prescriptions.

To find help and advice to quit smoking contact the Living Well stop smoking service on 01274 437700. Appointments can be made face to face, over the phone and by email, whatever works best for you.

You can also find out more here