SDLP Health Spokesperson for Health Conall McDevitt has called on all smokers to quit their habit in recognition of "No Smoking Day" on 10 March 2010.

Monday 8 March 2010

Conall has said,

"Here in the North, around 3,000 people are dying every year from tobacco use, and lung cancer kills more people than any other type of cancer, with 80% of these deaths a direct result of smoking.

"The effects of smoking on health have proven to be far reaching, with life expectancy amongst smokers 10 years less than that of a non-smoker.

"The health conditions associated with smoking are a major drain on our health service when we consider that they are largely preventable by giving up smoking. Research has shown that within a year of stopping smoking, risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a continuing smoker, and within 10 years risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

"I am calling for all smokers to consider the benefits giving up smoking for good, and to make the most of the help and assistance available through the health service as well as various charities to ensure that they are afforded the best bill of health and the highest quality of life."