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Understand the no smoking ban with LHF healthplan
From the stroke of midnight on 30 June, a new legislation will come into effect that will establish where people can legally smoke. Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smoke free.
Not only will the smoking ban save thousands of lives it will ensure a healthier environment enabling everyone to relax, socialise and work, free from the harmful effects of smoke.
It is thought the ban will not only encourage the majority of smokers to quit for good, it will produce a generation of non-smokers.
The legislation will encourage smokers to try and quit and increase their chances of succeeding and the government predicts an estimated 600,000 people will give up smoking as a result of the law change.
We all know that smoking is a fatal and dangerous habit and there are hundreds of people who die every year as a result of diseases and conditions linked to smoking.
The numbers of deaths and the diseases associated to smoking are shocking but it is believed that approximately 12 million British people - around a fifth of the population are smokers.
By cutting out smoking you will see a vast improvement in your health and well-being:
- 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse will return to normal.
- After just 12 hours your body’s level of toxic carbon monoxide declines and returns to non-smoking levels after 36 hours. When you stop smoking fewer toxins in the body mean a lower cancer risk.
- 24 hours later your risk of a heart attack has already lowered.
- After three days as a non-smoker you will notice an improvement in your breathing.
- After just one year, the risk of heart disease has dropped to half that of a smoker.
Raman Sankaran, member services director at LHF, comments: “Looking after your health and well-being is simple, but many people fail to ensure they keep on top of the essential health checks needed to keep happy, healthy and well.
“Why not make 01 July the date you cut out the cigarettes and adopt some healthier lifestyle choices, for you and your family.”
A healthplan from LHF can help individuals and families budget towards a whole host of everyday healthcare treatments, such as regular check-ups at the dentist and eye-tests at the optician, from as little as £3.06 per week.
LHF is one of Yorkshire’s leading healthcare providers and has been looking after the health and well-being of people across Yorkshire for 120 years.
For further information on LHF Healthplan visit www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk or call 0800 056 0366.
This information is intended as general guidance only and you should always consult your GP or other healthcare professionals for specific advice.