Many ‘social’ smokers believe that a few cigarettes here and there are unlikely to cause harm, but even occasional smoking can affect your health.
Most people are aware of the serious health risks associated with regular, long-term smoking, but fewer people realise that smoking only occasionally is harming their health.
Whether it’s a cigarette or two a day, smoking at weekends or when socialising with friends, the damage can add up over time. As part of the latest phase of the Smoking Ends Here campaign, a new online calculator is helping social smokers see the bigger picture by revealing how many cigarettes they may smoke over the course of a year, with many finding the total is far higher than expected.
If you’re focused on staying active, improving your fitness or taking part in sport, even light smoking can affect your performance. Over time, you may experience increased breathlessness, coughing during exercise, reduced stamina, a higher heart rate and slower recovery after physical activity.
While these changes may not be obvious straight away, every cigarette can make it harder to achieve the progress you’re working hard for.
The good news is that it’s never too late to quit. Whether you smoke every day or only in social situations, free stop smoking support and advice can help you stop for good.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“The campaign is aimed at young adults aged 18 to 30 because many people in this age group only smoke occasionally or in social situations and may not see themselves as smokers. However, even occasional smoking can affect your health and fitness, and the effects can add up over time.
“No matter how often you smoke, quitting brings benefits almost straight away. Many people who smoke occasionally don’t feel they need support to stop, but help is available for anyone who wants it.”
In Knowsley, you have access to free, specialist support through the Knowsley Stop Smoking Service. Whether you need advice on nicotine replacement or just someone to help you stay on track, our local experts are ready to support you.
You can access free support from Smokefree Knowsley by calling 0151 426 7462, texting quit to 61825 (normal network charge) or visiting the website: www.smokefreeknowsley.org.uk
You can visit The Smoking Ends Here website for more about the impacts of social smoking and for free advice, information, and details of local services available across the region.