Smoke-free homes help protect children...


S


econd hand smoking poses a huge risk to people’s health. Over 80% of second


hand smoke is invisible and odourless. It contains over 4000 chemicals and anyone breathing it in is at risk of all of the health problems experienced by smokers (e.g. lung cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks etc.).


Smoking in the home is dangerous. Even if a window or door is opened, the harmful chemicals can remain for hours and spread throughout the house. Children are particularly at risk. Second hand smoke increases the risk of many health problems including children’s respiratory disease and sudden infant death syndrome. Harmful chemicals can even be passed on to an unborn baby when a pregnant woman breathes in smoke.


It was claimed by pro-smoking campaigners that the smoke-free workplace legislation introduced in 2007 would lead to an increase in the amount of people smoking in the home; and therefore to children being exposed to more smoke. In fact, the opposite has been clearly seen. Since 2007, fewer people smoke in the home. Recent figures show that in the first year following the legislation, the number of children admitted to hospital with severe asthma attacks fell by 12%. It fell by a further 3% in the two years following that. This equates to nearly 7000 fewer children suffering severe asthma attacks.


Research tells us that 70% of smokers would like to quit. At your local Stop Smoking Service the support is free but the benefits gained are priceless. We can help smokers


Small Steps 6


to improve the health of themselves and their families; and even save some money too.


For further information please call us on: 0300 003 4562 e-mail us at: wiltsstopsmoking@nhs.net or visit us at: www.wiltshirestopsmoking.co.uk


Think about breastfeeding - Talk to a mum who has...


Are you pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, or are you a mum who is breastfeeding?


Find out about the Mum2Mum groups in your area. There are several places in and around Salisbury where mums who have been trained and have experience of breastfeeding are available. You can get individual support or there are groups that give you a chance to meet other breastfeeding mums, share your experiences and get some useful information in a friendly and supportive environment. Go to http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ healthandsocialcare/publichealth.htm to find out where Mum2Mum is near you.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32