Despite the backing of the likes of the
British Medical Association (BMA),
Cancer Research UK and three major US
studies this year alone, many smokers
still overestimate the harms associated
with nicotine and nicotine-containing
e-cigarettes.
PHE has emphasised the importance
of nicotine in helping smokers quit,
explaining that insufficient nicotine-
replacement and quitting too soon can
lead to relapse.
New vapers are generally advised to start
with a higher strength e-liquid to more
closely replicate the smoking experience
before reducing their nicotine intake as
they work towards quitting altogether.
While smoking prevalence in England is at
an all-time low of 15 percent, demographic
and geographic factors play a key role in
determining whether or not an individual
is likely to be a smoker.
One in five 25 to 34-year-olds smokes and
people living in areas such as Blackpool
and Hastings smoke at three times the
rate of residents in Wokingham and West
Dorset. People in manual jobs are two-
and-a-half times more likely to smoke than
those in managerial or professional roles.
On September 7, the head of PHE told the
NHS England Expo in Manchester that
he believes England should be entirely
smoke-free by 2030.
Chief executive Duncan Selbie said:
“With the right long-term plan in place, we
can remove smoking from England. This
is the single biggest thing we can do to
improve the nation’s health.”
Stoptober now falls within the wider
remit of PHE’s ‘One You’ campaign,
encouraging people to make the small
everyday lifestyle changes that could
significantly improve their health, such
as reducing their alcohol consumption,
eating more healthily and committing to
daily exercise. Healthier habits can help
prevent serious diseases such as cancer,
type 2 diabetes and heart disease and
reduce the risk of suffering a stroke or
developing dementia.
Vapouround’s Stoptober campaign began
at the beginning of September. Vapers
have been encouraged to share their
quit stories on our website and to record
testimonials which will be uploaded to
social media channels for the duration of
the campaign.
The Vapouround Bus will also travel
extensively throughout October. Staff will
offer tailored support and hand out the
new ‘Vaping 101’ booklet to help smokers
make an informed decision about making
the switch.
Meanwhile, smokers will be able to take
advantage of starter kit deals available in
Vapouround vape lounges and shops.
“Our partnership with the IBVTA will be continuing
this year and vape shops will be involved with that
partnership” – PHE
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