Quitting Cigarettes Saves Smokers £2,500 A Year, Says Study

Give Up Smoking, Bank An Extra £2,500 A Year

A 20-a-day smoker could save at least £2,500 a year and improve their health by giving up cigarettes, according to an anti-smoking charity.

ASH Scotland estimated the saving as a Scottish Health Survey study revealed that 69% of smokers want to give up.

The survey carried out by the Scottish Government covered all aspects of public health, and interviewed more than 9,000 people on their physical fitness, mental health and alcohol and cigarette consumption.

Public health minister Michael Matheson has urged smokers to make 2012 the year they quit for good, and pointed to the services within the NHS which can help.

ASH Scotland said quitting can also reduce the risk of a heart attack and coronary heart disease, improve circulation and reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer.

Mr Matheson said: "It's estimated that around a quarter of all deaths in Scotland are attributable to smoking. We must therefore do all we can to emphasise the many benefits - both health and financial - of stopping smoking, which is the biggest single thing anyone can do to improve their health.

"Not only can quitting reduce a person's risk of having a heart attack or coronary heart disease, it can also result in significant savings to family budgets - something well worth considering in the current challenging financial climate.

"Scotland has come a long way in recent years with bold measures such as banning smoking in public places and measures to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco to under-18s. But we recognise we cannot be complacent which is why in the coming weeks we will be launching a new national campaign to highlight the benefits of quitting smoking and the support on offer."

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, encouraged people to look for support from friends and family if they are trying to quit.

She said: "Many smokers decide to quit and find it easier than they thought it would be. But there's plenty of help available to give you the best chance of success. Don't forget you can also ask your family and friends to support you in your attempt to quit."

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