Islanders are being urged to make their homes and cars smoke free as new national statistics confirm that smoking remains a key cause of premature death.
As the national Longer Lives survey shows the Island remains a relatively healthy place to live, public health officials are focussing on one major cause of premature death – smoking. Island residents are therefore being urged to make their homes and cars smoke free.
A national campaign highlighting the dangers of ‘second hand’ smoke was launched on 4 June and to complement that, the Isle of Wight Council has responded by promoting the ‘Take 7 Steps Out’ message.
This campaign appeals to smokers who wish to protect their children to ‘Take 7 Steps Out’ before smoking. This reduces the risks and effects of cigarette smoke on children and others.
Simon Bryant, public health consultant with the council, said:
“We recognise how difficult it is for people to give up smoking and know that every parent wants to protect their children. The ‘Take 7 Steps Out’ campaign appeals to people to take a different approach with their smoking behaviour, it is not enough to protect your children by simply opening the backdoor or smoking with the window open.”
This campaign is being supported by the Island’s children’s centres who can provide information and help parents in making healthy choices.
The campaign coincides with the release of government data that shows area by area the premature mortality rates for some of the major killers – cancer, heart disease and strokes, and lung disease – all of which are linked to smoking – as well as liver disease.
Overall the Island fares well when compared to other areas including the authorities with which it is statistically similar and therefore usefully compared.
More information:
Longer Lives
https://longerlives.phe.org.uk/area-details#are/E06000046/par/IMD10-UTLA-D6
My Life: A Full Life
https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Care-and-Support/Adults-Services/My-Life-a-Full-Life/About-the-Programme
Stop smoking advice
https://www.nhsstopsmokingiow.co.uk/
