IPU spokesperson Sinead McCool said; “Quitting smoking is incredibly advantageous for your health and with supports from your local pharmacy team, is entirely achievable. Within a week, an individual’s carbon monoxide levels and breathing will have improved. Within a year the risk of developing coronary artery disease is halved when compared to a continuing smoker. Quitting can add as much as ten years to your life expectancy as well as reducing the risk for many conditions including a range of cancers, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”

Ms McCool said the last census showed that almost a million people have now quit smoking: “Research has consistently shown that receiving professional advice can improve the chances of successfully quitting. Pharmacists are very experienced at providing Nicotine Cessation Treatment plans and can work closely with you to identify the best ways to help you quit.”