Butt out for 24 hours

THE City of Casey is urging smokers to take the first step towards quitting by abstaining from smoking for 24 hours in honour of World No Tobacco Day.
Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said that the day, which is tomorrow 31 May, was an ideal opportunity for smokers to call Quitline Victoria and get support in developing a plan to quit.
“Smoking can lead to a range of diseases, including many types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, chest and lung illnesses,” she said.
“Passive smoking, which is breathing in the smoke from other people’s cigarettes, can be just as harmful as direct smoking, and can cause serious health problems in our wider community.
“Quitting smoking can be difficult, but is the single best thing you can do for your health, and the health of those around you.
“I encourage all smokers to consider the substantial health and economic impacts that the habit has and to take a stand for their wellbeing this World No Tobacco Day.”
Smoking costs Victorians about $4.3 billion each year, with businesses bearing about $494 million and governments about $207 million in costs each year.
For those seeking to quit smoking, more information can be obtained from the Quit Victoria website at www.quit.org.au or by calling the hotline on 13 78 48.