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Countdown
to 'No Smoking Day'
Today the Health Promotion Agency
for Northern Ireland urged smokers to 'take the plunge' and
give up smoking on 'No
Smoking Day'.
This year the campaign includes
a range of television, radio and press advertising. The campaign
counts down the days to 'No Smoking Day' on Wednesday 10 March
1999 giving smokers an opportunity to prepare themselves for
the big day.
Rob Phipps, Alcohol and Drugs
Programme Manager for the Health Promotion Agency, said: "The
advertising campaign aims to make smokers aware of the date
of 'No Smoking Day' in advance so that they can prepare themselves
mentally to give up. "We know from research that many smokers
give up every year on No Smoking Day. Research also shows
that in the last two years more smokers in Northern Ireland
participated in No Smoking Day compared to anywhere else in
the United Kingdom. Many of the smokers who stop smoking on
No Smoking Day stop for good."
'No Smoking Day' is aimed at
helping and supporting smokers in their efforts to try to
kick the habit. Research shows that around two thirds of smokers
want to quit but many need added support and encouragement
to help them succeed.
In the run up to 'No Smoking
Day' many health professionals and voluntary organisations
will be providing support for those who want to 'take the
plunge'.
END
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