Hampshire Smokers Urged to Quit for No Smoking Day on March 9
Hampshire is home to around 200,000 smokers, but this No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 9, the county council wants them to kick the habit for good.
Stub It Out for Better Health and Savings
Cllr Patricia Stallard, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Public Health, says quitting—even for one day—can make a massive health difference. Stopping smoking improves taste, smell, and slashes your risk of serious lung and heart diseases.
“It’s not just smokers who benefit,” Stallard added. “Smoking costs Hampshire around £302 million a year in health care, lost productivity, and fire damage.”
Success Stories and Support
One Hampshire quitter shared their journey: “After years of failed attempts, I tried Champix (Varenicline) and finally went five days without a puff. Sometimes I remember the taste of a cigar, but it quickly fades.”
During an October nationwide quit challenge, 633 of Hampshire’s smokers kicked the habit with help from the local Quit4Life service. Over the past 18 months, 5,547 people have quit smoking with their support.
How Your Body Heals After Quitting
- After 8 hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels drop by half, oxygen returns to normal.
- After 24 hours: Carbon monoxide clears completely; lungs begin to expel mucus and toxins.
Ready to quit? Hampshire residents can get free help from the County Council’s Quit4Life service.
For support, call 0845 602 4663 today.
