Sheffield Wednesday is supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in encouraging smokers in Sheffield to visit their local stop smoking services ahead of this year’s No Smoking Day on 11 March.
Owls player Marnick Vermijl is supporting their campaign and is encouraging people to quit smoking. Marnick went along to a special Stop Smoking event this week to show his support and talk to volunteers about the work they do.
The charity’s latest figures show that 18 per cent of adults in Sheffield smoke. Studies have found that smokers are four times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from NHS stop smoking services than if they go it alone.
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said: “Smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers. The good news is that stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health and the risk to your overall health decreases significantly soon after you stop.
“We’re encouraging smokers to visit their GP, pharmacist or local stop smoking advisor to resources, information, and advice on quitting smoking. Getting prepared for your quit attempt is the first step on the journey towards a smoke-free life.”
To receive information and support on stopping smoking visit nosmokingday.org.uk or www.sheffield.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk.