New
figures published today by the NHS Health
Development Agency indicate the estimated
current prevalence of smokers and the number
of deaths attributable to smoking in Sheffield
and South Yorkshire.
The data reveals
the significant extent to which smoking
is a contributable factor to deaths in the
region, with 33% of all deaths in South
Yorkshire attributable to smoking, which
is higher in men (39% compared with 27%
in women). Lung cancer, respiratory disease
and heart disease are identified as the
main killers attributable to smoking.
According to the
report, an average of 32% of people in South
Yorkshire smoke, which is the second highest
health authority area in England. The figure
is higher in some parts of Sheffield, with
North Sheffield having a current smoking
prevalence of 38%, while South West Sheffield
has a prevalence of 24%.
Health managers in
Sheffield welcome the new data; speaking
on behalf of the Smoke Free Sheffield initiative
Simon Gilby, Chief Executive of Sheffield
West Primary Care Trust commented: "This
data endorses local information we have,
which shows that smoking is a real epidemic
and people are dying unnecessarily."
"This is why
Smoke Free Sheffield is such an important
initiative. We want local businesses and
organisations to play their part in saving
people¹s lives by working in partnership
with us to create smoke-free premises, thereby
protecting the health of their employees,
customers and visitors."
He added: "Smokers
are in the minority, but have a significant
impact on their surrounding communities.
We offer support to smokers in the process
of giving up through our Stop Smoking Service.
In addition, the steps that we are taking
to encourage people to become more physically
active and eat more healthily are helping
the people of Sheffield to have longer,
healthier
lives."
The Sheffield
NHS Stop Smoking Service provides professional
support for people wanting to give up smoking.
For free, confidential support contact freephone
0800 068 4490. Employers who are interested
in establishing smoke-free workplaces can
get help from the Sheffield Smoke-Free Coordinator
by phoning Sheffield West PCT on 0114 226
4600.
|
