Smoking

A Change in the Law

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in England and Wales to be sold cigarettes (or other products like roll-up tobacco and cigars) over the counter or at a vending machine.

The increase to 18 from 16 is to try and stop people starting to smoke as teenagers. It's been estimated that people who start smoking at 15 are three times more likely to die from cancer than someone who starts in their twenties.

The rules on selling tobacco are changing

The Smoking Ban

It's now against the law to smoke in almost every enclosed public space in England. This includes

cafes and restaurants
shopping centres
railway stations

For more information about how the smoking ban will affect you, and tips on giving up, take a look at the Smokefree England website.

Why Start Smoking?

Even though we all know about the health risks connected to smoking, thousands of people decide to start every year - and a large number of adults who carry on smoking say that they started when they were under 16.

You may be pressured into starting by some of your friends, you may want to copy older relatives who smoke or you may just be curious about what it's like. Whatever sort of pressure you're put under, it's a lot easier to say no than taking up the habit and trying to give up after years of regular smoking.

It also costs a lot of money. If you get through 10 cigarettes a day, it costs about £1000 every year. Think of all the stuff you could buy with that money!

The Health Risks

People who smoke regularly are more likely to develop certain illnesses when they get older. These include lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema. It can also reduce fertility.

Although nicotine is the thing that makes cigarettes addictive, it's the other chemicals that damage your health.

There are also other physical effects of smoking that happen no matter how old you are, including:

damaged tastebuds
ageing of the skin
stained teeth
smelly clothes

Although not killers, they're not exactly pleasant!

Ways to Give Up

If you've decided to kick the smoking habit, there are a number of things you can do that can make giving up a little easier.

The National Health Service (NHS) runs a smoking helpline that helps thousands of people quit every year. The helpline can give you advice if you're finding giving up tough and has details of support groups in your area that you might want to join. The number is 0800 169 0 169, all calls are free and it's open from 7am - 11pm.

Cigarette patches work by releasing a slow stream of nicotine into your blood that stops your craving while you get out of the habit of lighting up. Wearing a patch or chewing gum can help you get over your cravings, but it won't damage your health in the way cigarettes do. There are different types available depending on how many you smoke every day.

You can also get chewing gum that releases nicotine into your body through the lining of your mouth.

You can buy patches and gum from most chemists, or your doctor may be able to write you a prescription.

Always check with your doctor before you start using any nicotine replacement products.

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Call: 01233 330290 Email: info@whatmattersashford.co.uk Text: 07765 897208