Sheffield residents encouraged to join over one million people who have signed up to quit smoking with 'Stoptober'

This will be the eight years smokers have been encouraged to quit the habit for good during the month of October, with help from the NHS.

The Yorkshire Smoke Free service is one of those free, support services that can help you quit and is run by NHS experts who will support you to make that life changing decision.

There are so many benefits of stopping smoking, some of these include:

In just 24 hours, the poisonous carbon monoxide will have left your body Your risk of cancer, heart and lung disease is reduced Your general fitness will improve You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby You will save money The appearance of your skin and teeth will improve.

NHS research has shown that if you quit smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good.

There are a few different ways that the NHS will support people on their journey through the month.

There is a ‘Stoptober’ app that can be downloaded on to a phone or a tablet to show you how much money people are saving by not smoking, and can also help distract them at the times when their cravings strike.

There will also be a daily e-mail, which will be full of advice, tips and motivation.

It will help keep people’s quit attempt on track and remind them why giving up smoking was the best decision they could make.

There is a Facebook group too, where people can join and chat to other people going on the same journey and support each other through the month.

The NHS can also help to create a personalised plan to help give people the best chance of quitting.

Visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/quit-smoking/stoptober for more information, and to sign up for ‘Stoptober’ yourself.