LIGHTING up in Cumbria is slowly going out of fashion according to the county's top public expert.
The observation by Professor John Ashton, NHS Cumbria's Director of Public Health, comes ahead of tomorrow's national No Smoking Day
In 1998, around one in four Cumbrians regularly lit up. Since then, the number of people smoking in the county ha
s dropped to approximately one in five.
Over the last decade, legislation has been introduced to ban smoking in public places and more NHS support is available to help people quit.
Despite the decline, around 900 people will still die in Cumbria this year from a smoking related illness – 17 deaths each week on average.
Across the UK, tobacco consumption is recognised as the single greatest cause of preventable illness and early death.
Professor John Ashton, NHS Cumbria's Director of Public Health, said: "Slowly but surely, public perceptions around smoking are changing in Cumbria.
"Where once it was considered a normal part of everyday life, attitudes now increasingly recognise smoking for what it is: a lethal addiction that is anything but fashionable.
"It is not hard to see how in future years, smoking could come to be viewed as socially unacceptable in the same way drink driving is now.
Professor Ashton continued:" This year, NHS Cumbria has helped more than 2,500 smokers in the county to quit. People are four times more likely to succeed with NHS help.
"I hope as many people as possible will use this year's No Smoking Day to consider contact NHS Cumbria's Stop Smoking service
For confidential help and support to quit smoking contact NHS Cumbria's Stop Smoking Service on 01900 324222 or text 'QUIT' to 82540, or visit a participating pharmacy for stop smoking advice.
