Derbyshire County Council urges people to back campaign and stop smoking

Embargoed to 0001 Sunday July 1.

File photo dated 10/6/2007 of a cigarette stubbed out in an ashtray as almost two fifths of former smokers think the ban on smoking in public places helped them to quit, research shows. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday July 1, 2012. The figures, released on the fifth anniversary of the smoking ban in public places in England, found that 37% of former smokers believe the ban helped them to kick the habit. However, it is still estimated that 10 million people in the UK smoke, according to the research conducted by Pfizer. A quarter of current smokers said they were happy to go outside to smoke whatever the weather, the research suggests. One in five smokers who want to quit have sought medical help, the poll of 6,300 people found. The ban on smoking in public places in England came into effect on July 1 2007, spelling an end to drinkers having a cigarette with their pint in pubs, bars and clubs. See PA story HEALTH Smoke. Photo credit should read: PA Wire — Embargoed to 0001 Sunday July 1. File photo dated 10/6/2007 of a cigarette stubbed out in an ashtray as almost two fifths of former smokers think the ban on smoking in public places helped them to quit, research shows. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday July 1, 2012. The figures, released on the fifth anniversary of the smoking ban in public places in England, found that 37% of former smokers believe the ban helped them to kick the habit. However, it is still estimated that 10 million people in the UK smoke, according to the research conducted by Pfizer. A quarter of current smokers said they were happy to go outside to smoke whatever the weather, the research suggests. One in five smokers who want to quit have sought medical help, the poll of 6,300 people found. The ban on smoking in public places in England came into effect on July 1 2007, spelling an end to drinkers having a cigarette with their pint in pubs, bars and clubs. See PA story HEALTH Smoke. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

Stop the Rot graphically highlights how smoking damages the body, causing a slow decay in bones, muscles, and vital organs – essentially rotting the body from the inside out.

The campaign, led by Public Health England, follows a new review into the impacts that toxic ingredients in cigarettes can have on the body.

In 2013 around 17.5 per cent of the adult Derbyshire population smoked – the second lowest county within the East Midlands region and lower than both the regional average of 19.1 per cent and the national average of 18.4 per cent.

Derbyshire has seen a reduction in the estimated number of adults smoking year on year from 20.5 per cent in 2010 to 17.5 per cent - although there is a variation by area.

Smoking prevalence is highest in Bolsover at 23 per cent followed by High Peak at 21.2 per cent and Chesterfield at 20.2 per cent.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “We’re supporting the Stop the Rot campaign as smoking remains one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and premature death in Derbyshire.

“While many smokers know the damage cigarettes do to their hearts and lungs, they are less likely to be aware of how harmful smoking is to the rest of their body.”

The new report highlights health impacts including an increased risk of bone fractures, slower healing after injury and a higher chance of rheumatoid arthritis.

The research also found that current smokers are 59 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and are at a higher risk of tooth loss and decay and sight defects such as age-related cataracts.

Councillor Allen added: “If people are making New Year’s resolutions to stop smoking there are plenty of services in Derbyshire that can help them give up for good.”

Residents who would like help to quit can call Derbyshire County Stop Smoking Service on 01246 515550 or visit www.derbyshirecountystopsmokingservice.nhs.uk