Welsh charities welcome menthol cigarette ban aimed at stamping out youth smoking

Campaigners say the ban on menthol cigarettes could help tackle youth smoking rates in Wales, where according to new figures over 6,000 children take up the habit every year.

The new law, which comes into force Wednesday 20th May, will see the sale of menthol flavoured cigarettes and tobacco products banned under the EU Tobacco Products Directive.

It has been welcomed by ASH Wales alongside Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation Wales, who say menthol acts as a gateway to tobacco addiction, because the flavour appeals to young, inexperienced smokers, and reduces the harshness of cigarette smoke. Research by the UK Government has shown that menthol cigarette use is significantly more common among younger smokers.

According to figures compiled by CRUK and Imperial College, London, an estimated 6,461 children take up smoking every year in Wales, with the highest numbers in Cardiff where 707 children are estimated to start smoking each year.  The second highest numbers are in Swansea where 547 children start smoking every year.

A survey of over 100,000 students, carried out by researchers at Cardiff University, last year found that in Wales 9% of 15-16-year-olds smoke at least once a week, a figure that despite concerted efforts, has remained unchanged since 2013/14.

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said: “We wholeheartedly support any tobacco control measures that address youth smoking rates and encourage smokers to quit.

“Generations of smokers in Wales, have been drawn into this deadly addiction by menthol flavoured cigarettes which are designed to cunningly disguise the harshness of tobacco smoke, making them more appealing to young smokers.

“The long-term effects of tobacco smoking on people’s health are devastating – and have been highlighted by the increased risks smokers face from the Covid-19 outbreak due to the damage caused to their lungs.

“It is crucially important to prevent young people in Wales from suffering the same fate and we very much hope the ban on menthol cigarettes will stop many more of them from taking up the habit.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales, said:

“Smoking remains the single largest cause of preventable ill health and a significant cause of health inequality in Wales, tobacco dependency is directly or indirectly linked to millions of deaths.

“Smoking massively increases your chances of developing health complications later in life. With 1 in 5 people in Wales already living with a lung condition, smoking from a young age increases the chances of developing serious, life altering and threatening conditions.

“Menthol Cigarettes are often seen as the ‘gateway’ to smoking, due to both their flavour and their less harsh smoke. It is so much harder to quit if you start smoking from an early age, banning them is a positive step in our efforts to curb youth smoking and protect young peoples’ lungs.”

Further information

Methodology: Data was calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, December 2019, using Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use in Young People in England 2016 and 2018 data. Figures represent the average number of children per year between 2016 and 2018. Percentage of new smokers was calculated for each single-year age band, and ‘smoker’ was defined as ‘regular’, ‘occasional’ or ‘used to smoke’. For example, percentage of new smokers aged 13 in 2018, was calculated by subtracting the percentage of smokers aged 12 in 2017, from the percentage of smokers aged 13 in 2018. This calculation was used for ages 12, 13, 14 and 15; for age 11 all smokers were considered new smokers. 2017 figures were estimated as the average of 2016 and 2018, as no 2017 survey was carried out. Percentage of new smokers in England was applied to UK population estimates to obtain the number of new UK smokers. The 2014-18 trend in estimated number of new child smokers in the UK each year was projected forward to obtain estimates for 2019-21. Yearly figures were divided by 365 to obtain daily figures. The proportion of Welsh smokers was calculated using methodology set out in BMJ Thorax. Break down of the Cancer Research UK national analysis was undertaken by Dr Anthony Laverty, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London in collaboration with Action on Smoking and Health

How to be kind to yourself when quitting smoking

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness. So, we thought we’d take the opportunity to remind you of why it’s so important to be kind to yourself when you quit smoking.

In Wales 36% of adults with a mental health condition smoke, compared to 17% of the whole adult population in Wales.  Across the UK people who are mentally ill smoke more than a third of all the tobacco smoked in Britain, and smoking is the biggest contributor to those with mental ill health dying 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.

Although, quitting is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can commit for your health and well-being, at the time it can feel more like a punishment.

No matter how determined you are to quit the habit cigarette cravings can result in such strong feelings of stress and irritability that you may be tempted to cave in.

That’s why it’s so important to be kind to yourself when quitting and to ensure you have the emotional and physical tools you’ll need to overcome this challenge.

This is even more important during lockdown when you may be quitting at a time when life is even more stressful than usual.

To help you to get started we’ve come up with some top tips for self-care when you embark on your quit smoking journey.

Don’t go it alone

It’s possible to quit smoking using will power alone. But that is by no means the most effective way of giving up. Research has shown that you’re up to three times more likely to quit for good if you give up using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioural support.   There’s absolutely no shame is asking for support. The goal is to stop smoking and it makes no difference whether you do this solo or with support from NRT or a smoking cessation advisor. So be kind to yourself and take advantage of the help that’s available. Call NHS Wales’ Help Me Quit helpline 0800 085 2219 to find out more.

Reach out

quitting smoking during lockdownBefore you quit, let close family and friends know that you’re planning to give up. You may need their moral support and encouragement when the going gets tough. If you’re in lockdown with family or friends, it’s also a good idea to warn them that you will probably be feeling irritable and end up needing some space.  If your mood dips as cravings kick in, don’t suffer in silence. Tell others how you are feeling. Even just talking about it will make you feel better. If you don’t have family or friends you can talk to about quitting, why not reach out to others online.  ASH Wales runs a quit smoking Facebook group for ex-smokers and those quitting. Click here to join.

Distract yourself

One of the best ways to tackle cigarette cravings is to distract yourself with another activity. The average craving last around 10 to 20 minutes. When you feel the craving starting to build up focus your mind on an activity that will not only relax but distract you.  Make sure you prepare a list of activities and any equipment you’ll need to carry them out before you embark on your quit attempt. Activities that encourage mindfulness – focusing on the present and on the details you can see at that moment – are particularly helpful.

Get moving

Be kind to your body and mind by ensuring that you exercise while quitting smoking. Keeping active will boost your endorphin levels and reduce stress levels. It may not be easy to take part in your usual physical activities during lockdown. So adapt. Take part in online keep fit sessions or, if you can leave the house, go for a walk or a jog outside. Fresh air will also work wonders and the sights and sounds of the outside world will provide a welcome distraction.

Eat well

When giving up smoking you’ll be tempted to indulge in comfort eating. And no more so than during lockdown when life’s pleasures are limited and food becomes an even more important source of enjoyment.  There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself particularly while quitting smoking. But resist the urge to binge on fatty, sugary snacks. While this may provide short term satisfaction, once the sugar high wears off you’ll be left feeling low and gaining weight.  Instead nourish yourself with healthy food that will help to improve your sense of well-being.

Lower your expectations

Quitting smoking can be all-consuming and you’ll probably feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. So be realistic about what you can achieve during this time. Don’t co-incide quitting with taking on any big project work or DIY projects or making major life decisions. Instead, lower your expectations and focus solely on quitting. You’ll find the process far easier if you don’t try to do too much at this time.

Forgive slip-ups

If you cave in and give in to temptation then go easy on yourself. Quitting smoking is tough and will often take several attempts. Just because you’ve fallen off the wagon does not mean you can’t pick yourself and get back on again when you’re ready.  You won’t lose your motivation to quit and each time you try, you’re a step closer to your goal.

Mum who recovered from Covid-19 describes her relief at having quit smoking

Sarah Wray, a 45-year-old mum of three and support worker from Carmarthenshire, recently recovered from Covid-19. She gave up smoking in November after suffering a chest infection. Here she describes her experience of quitting and her relief at having given up before contracting Covid-19.

I smoked for 20 years and finally decided to quit in November 2019 after a chest infection in October. As well as having concerns about how it was affecting my health,  I was becoming very conscious about the smell and staining on my teeth and fingers which is not very pleasant when working closely with service users as part of my job.

Once I’d decided to quit I had one to one help  at my local surgery and I used Champix.  To help with the cravings I changed my mind set, and used a nicotine spray. I found that  altering my daily routine really helped. I even changed my tea bags, and drunk hot chocolate instead, because it’s all about the habits you associate with smoking.

Quitting made a big difference to my life. I felt more confident, I wasn’t coughing as much, which I’d been self conscious about.  I sleep better, I have more energy and I walk further when walking my dog. My family being proud of me makes a big difference, especially my children as I did not realise the effect it had on them.

I was recently diagnosed with Covid-19.  I had mild symptoms, the worst one being shortness of breath. In the end I was ill for 10 days and I feel I was very lucky.  I’m just so glad I gave up smoking because I know it would have been much worse if I hadn’t and it would have taken a lot longer to get over.

Giving up smoking is really worth it. We all have different reasons for quitting but my message to smokers would be to please give it a go.  Yes it is hard but I’m so glad I did, and now 6 months on i don’t think about smoking at all.

Children across Wales exposed to more second-hand smoke than ever during lockdown

As Wales’ lockdown continues, health campaigners have warned that children are being exposed to dangerous levels of second-hand smoke in their homes.

The warning comes as new research from the YouGov COVID tracker shows that 12% of smokers who live with children report that they are smoking more indoors than they did before lockdown. Meanwhile people who live in households that include children are 50% more likely to report being exposed to second-hand smoke since lockdown compared to those without children.

A separate survey carried out in February-March 2020 found that in Wales 13% of people with children in their household reported that someone smokes in their home most days. There are now fears that this proportion may have increased as a result of lockdown.

Children living in the most deprived households in Wales could be most at risk, with previous research having shown that social housing tenants in Wales are twice as likely as residents in other housing tenures to be exposed to second-hand smoke in their own home.

According to the YouGov COVID tracker research, parents who smoke are just as likely as other smokers to report making quit attempts and trying to reduce the amount they smoke during lockdown.  However, indications that lockdown is leading to more exposure to second-hand smoke has raised concerns that they may not be accessing the support they need to quit.

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said: “We would urge smokers living in households with children to seek help to quit now or risk exposing their children to life threatening levels of second-hand smoke.

“With children confined for much of the day to their homes, they are at greater risk than ever of inhaling the toxic chemicals that could seriously harm their health.

“Unless smokers take action now to quit the habit, we could face a rise in the number of children with respiratory conditions who have been exposed to second-hand smoke in the home during lockdown, particularly among our most deprived communities.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales, added:

“The risks posed to children and young people by second-hand smoke is sadly being amplified by the fact we all have to stay at home for the majority of our time due to the lockdown.

“It’s important that parents, and those living with children, use this opportunity to quit smoking. This will not only improve their health, but it will also safeguard children in their home by reducing the risk of them developing a lung condition.

“We know quitting can be tough – but there’s a wide range of services and support now available. Even if you have tried in the past, with your family support at home and the fantastic service offered by Help me Quit I am sure that you will have the best chance to kick the habit for good.”

Second-hand smoke causes life threatening health problems in infants and children, raising the risk of more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, meningitis and sudden infant death.

Among adults, exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of a stroke, coronary heart disease and lung cancer in non-smokers.

Around 85% of second-hand smoke is invisible and continues to linger in the air for up to four hours after a cigarette has been stubbed out.  Smoke particles are smaller than dust particles and drift easily from room to room spreading toxic chemicals around the home.

NHS Wales’ Help Me Quit service is providing telephone support for all smokers that want to quit. Smokers can get in touch with them to receive free support by calling 0800 085 2219 or by visiting www.helpmequit.wales.

Smoker who quit over Covid-19 fears shares his story

Paul Dunstan, 28, who lives in Chepstow, stopped smoking over fears that it could put him more at risk from Covid-19. Here he shares his story and why lockdown could provide the ideal opportunity to quit.

I first started smoking towards the end of my final year of high school. I would mostly be at parties or other events and always socially. As I moved to college I began smoking during break and lunch times increasing my cigarette intake.

My triggers for smoking were mostly from socialising with other smokers, finishing a meal or requiring a break from loud and chaotic situations.

I never really noticed the financial aspect being a roll up smoker. Health wise however I had begun to notice that my lung capacity had been severely diminished. After heavy smoking days I could lie in bed and feel restricted on my top level oxygen intake and It could sometimes cause my breathing to become wheezy.

My dad gave up after much pressure from my mum and that really inspired me to give up. My mum had become hyper aware of how the coronavirus affected the lungs and would order me to quit every phone call like he did. I had already been worrying about my lung capacity so thought it a good time.

The first two days are incredibly difficult. My mood shifted wildly and I was on edge. You try to reason or make any excuse to have a cigarette. In the past when trying to quit I would even force arguments with others just to have an excuse to go out smoking afterwards. On day three your mood returns to normal and then it’s just about knowing your cravings and planning around them.

Like I said before a big trigger for me was socialising and that’s when I’d usually smoke. Obviously, during the lock down hanging out with other smokers is impossible so the only trigger I had then was eating. I used a vape pen with zero nicotine in for around three days until it ran out and then just used sweets. Having, something to actually smoke helped me greatly even though it was just flavoured syrup. I was worried about habit eating (my father has put on unhealthy weight since) so stopped with the sweets eventually as well.

Since stopping smoking my lungs definitely feel better. I was actually really surprised at the return of full lung capacity only two weeks after quitting.

My advice to any smokers who are thinking of quitting during lockdown is that if hanging out with other smokers is one of your strongest triggers to smoke I suggest you use the opportunity to quit whilst it presents itself!

Experts call on Wales’ pregnant smokers to seek help to quit to reduce their risks from Covid-19

A GROUP of leading experts are calling for pregnant smokers to seek help and quit to protect their health and the health of their unborn baby in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) say women who smoke during their pregnancies should be supported to give up, particularly during the pandemic.

Although current evidence has shown that pregnant women with no underlying conditions are not more likely to develop coronavirus, or be more adversely affected than other healthy young adults if they are infected, smokers are known to respond poorly to the respiratory condition.

Smokers are at substantially increased risk of suffering more serious complications if they develop Covid-19 because smoking weakens their lung defences, with emerging evidence from China showing that they are 14 times more likely to develop severe respiratory disease.

Smoking during pregnancy can also lead to greater risk of serious complications, such as miscarriage and stillbirth, putting the health of women and their babies at risk.

Across Wales, 16% of pregnant women smoke.  Smoking prevalence is highest among pregnant teenagers with 30% of pregnant 16 to 19-year-old’s smoking at the time of their baby’s birth and 33% at their initial assessment.

A RCOG spokesperson said: “It is especially important that women do not smoke in pregnancy during the current coronavirus pandemic, with the respiratory disease known to affect smokers more significantly than non- smokers.

“Pregnancy places more physical demands on a woman’s body and though current evidence suggests that pregnant women without underlying conditions are not at an increased risk of contracting the virus, or being more adversely affected by it than other healthy adults, smoking makes them more vulnerable to the severe effects of coronavirus.

“The RCOG cannot emphasise highly enough how important it is that women are supported to stop smoking during pregnancy to protect both their own health and that of their baby. Smoking is known to have a catalogue of adverse effects on mother and baby including an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal growth restriction.”

Pregnant smokers in Wales are advised to seek help to quit from their midwife, obstetrician or GP and to continue to attend all available antenatal appointments.

The RCOG spokesperson continued: “Women who are looking for help to stop smoking should speak to their midwife, obstetrician or GP, all of whom will be able to signpost her to extra resources to help protect the health of both herself and her unborn baby. The RCOG also has a patient information resource on cessation of smoking during pregnancy, which includes lots of detail about the risks involved and the pathways available to women.”

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales said: “We know that all smokers are at increased risk of suffering serious complications from Covid-19 and that is more important now than ever for them to urgently quit the habit.

“For pregnant women, who are a vulnerable high-risk group, smoking already poses the threat of devastating health consequences and as Covid-19 continues to spread, there is now even more reason for them to give up.

“However, we must not forget that smoking is not a lifestyle choice, it is a powerful addiction and would urge all pregnant women to seek the support and advice of their midwife, their family and friends to quit now.”

She went on to say that any smokers who share a household with a pregnant woman should also consider quitting to reduce the risks posed by second-hand smoke.

“Second hand smoke poses serious health risks, with the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke lingering in the home for up to 5 hours after a cigarette has been stubbed out.

“With families spending more of their time indoors under lockdown, smokers who live with pregnant women should seriously consider quitting for their sake if not to reduce their own risks from Covid-19.”

Re-iterating the measures that pregnant women have been advised to take during the Covid-19 pandemic, the RCOG spokesperson said: “Pregnant women have been put into the vulnerable group and should reduce social contact where possible. Where pregnant women can work from home, they should do so.

“There is currently no evidence to suggest that pregnant women are at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they develop coronavirus, than other healthy individuals.

“It is important to note these special measures for pregnant women do not mean self-isolation unless they are showing symptoms.  Pregnant women are still able to do things that are necessary in daily life, such as taking daily exercise outside, getting food shopping or attending work if an essential worker. It is very important that pregnant women continue to attend antenatal appointments which are essential to ensure her and her baby’s wellbeing.”

At the end of March, the Government announced additional ‘shielding’ measures for people thought to be at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus, this included pregnant women with significant heart disease (congenital or acquired).

These women were advised not to leave the house and avoid face-to-face contact where possible for at least 12 weeks. A letter was sent by the Government to those advised to shield with further information.

Anyone who wants help to stop smoking in Wales can call NHS Wales Help Me Quit on 0800 085 2219 or visit helpmequit.wales.

There are online forums for people to support each other whilst quitting smoking such as Quit Smoking Wales. Advice can also be provided by pharmacies, however it is advised to call before visiting as pharmacies are extremely busy at this time.

For more information on quitting smoking in pregnancy visit the RCOG website https://www.rcog.org.uk.