Local health commissioners in the Vale of York are joining forces with the World Health Organisation this bank holiday Monday to help protect present and future generations from the devastating health consequences of smoking.

Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and wellbeing; about 100,000 people in the UK die each year as a result of smoking-related diseases such as cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.

Dr Emma Broughton, one of a team of GPs at NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the organisation responsible for procuring the majority of health care services in the area, said: “Our overall vision is to achieve the best health and wellbeing for everyone in our community. Giving up smoking increases your chances of living a longer and healthier life, even if you've smoked for 40 years. You'll start to notice the benefits soon after quitting.
“If you want to quit smoking, you can receive free help and support from the local NHS smokefree service, www.smokefree.nhs.uk , or discuss with your GP. Services can provide help and advice about quitting, enrol you in a 'stop smoking' clinic and prescribe nicotine replacement therapy such as patches and gum, or stop smoking medication such as Champix.”

Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes – are electrical devices that mimic real cigarettes by producing a vapour that’s potentially less harmful than tobacco smoke. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine and, when they do, it’s the vapour that gives the nicotine hit.

While e-cigarettes may be safer than conventional cigarettes, the long-term effects of vaping on the body are still unknown.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Prevention and Protection Group Manager, Peter Hudson, said: “We would urge anyone using an e-cigarette to do so with care. We would particularly advise people to only use the charger supplied with their kit and not to over tighten the battery. "

If you use e-cigarettes North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offer the following advice:

- Don't buy cheap, un-branded chargers
- Don't leave them to charge whilst you are asleep or out
- Don't leave them next to flammable materials
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Remove the battery from the charger once it is fully charged

Dr Emma Broughton said: “Nicotine is highly addictive but evidence shows that people are four times more likely to stop smoking for good if they get the right help.

“Many smokers want to quit but aren't sure about the best way to go about it. There's lots of free support on offer and by using the support that's right for you, you'll be boosting your chance of quitting.”

For help to quit smoking for good, please visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree or make an appointment with your GP.

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