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17/12/2008
NI's Social Division Over Deadly Levels Of Smoking Highlighted
It has emerged that almost three times more manual workers smoke than professionals.
The gap between the number of 'rich' and 'poorer' people taking up smoking in Northern Ireland is widening, it was revealed this week.
A third of unskilled manual workers use tobacco compared to 12% of professionals, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) said.
Smoking is a major factor in stroke and coronary heart disease and kills two in every five people in the province.
The HPA is encouraging smokers to quit in the new year with an advertising campaign and Chief Executive Dr Brian Gaffney (pictured) said: "The campaign is aimed at all adults who smoke, particularly unskilled and semi-skilled manual workers.
"Evidence shows that tobacco is a major cause of health inequalities and is the principal cause of the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor."
According to the HPA, only 12% of professionals smoke compared to a huge 35% of unskilled manual workers, with the divide widening - even though smoking kills up to 3,000 people every year.
Radio advertising also raises awareness of the link between smoking and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), which causes a blockage in the arteries and can lead to gangrene.
"We know that stopping smoking isn't easy and smokers can make more than a dozen quit attempts before they successfully stop smoking for good," said Dr Gaffney.
(BMcC)
The gap between the number of 'rich' and 'poorer' people taking up smoking in Northern Ireland is widening, it was revealed this week.
A third of unskilled manual workers use tobacco compared to 12% of professionals, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) said.
Smoking is a major factor in stroke and coronary heart disease and kills two in every five people in the province.
The HPA is encouraging smokers to quit in the new year with an advertising campaign and Chief Executive Dr Brian Gaffney (pictured) said: "The campaign is aimed at all adults who smoke, particularly unskilled and semi-skilled manual workers.
"Evidence shows that tobacco is a major cause of health inequalities and is the principal cause of the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor."
According to the HPA, only 12% of professionals smoke compared to a huge 35% of unskilled manual workers, with the divide widening - even though smoking kills up to 3,000 people every year.
Radio advertising also raises awareness of the link between smoking and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), which causes a blockage in the arteries and can lead to gangrene.
"We know that stopping smoking isn't easy and smokers can make more than a dozen quit attempts before they successfully stop smoking for good," said Dr Gaffney.
(BMcC)
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17 October 2003
Bus strikes begin across NI
Nearly a quarter of a million people were left to make alternative travel arrangements today as local bus drivers began a 24-hour strike over pay. Around 180,000 passengers, as well as 65,000 school children were affected by the strike which is being held by 1,700 bus drivers across the province.
Bus strikes begin across NI
Nearly a quarter of a million people were left to make alternative travel arrangements today as local bus drivers began a 24-hour strike over pay. Around 180,000 passengers, as well as 65,000 school children were affected by the strike which is being held by 1,700 bus drivers across the province.
16 October 2003
Bus drivers poised to take strike action
This afternoon bus drivers across Northern Ireland were poised to take strike action on Friday over a pay dispute. The strike, which will involve both City and Ulsterbus services, is expected to affect around 180,000 passengers as well as thousands of school children. Union representatives have rejected a 4.
Bus drivers poised to take strike action
This afternoon bus drivers across Northern Ireland were poised to take strike action on Friday over a pay dispute. The strike, which will involve both City and Ulsterbus services, is expected to affect around 180,000 passengers as well as thousands of school children. Union representatives have rejected a 4.
10 March 2014
Council Prepares For No Smoking Day
A free Belfast City Council service has helped more than 1,000 people quit smoking in the last five years, the Council has said. The smoking cessation service is offered to businesses in the Belfast area. With No Smoking Day this Wednesday (March 12), the council is hoping more businesses will sign up to the service.
Council Prepares For No Smoking Day
A free Belfast City Council service has helped more than 1,000 people quit smoking in the last five years, the Council has said. The smoking cessation service is offered to businesses in the Belfast area. With No Smoking Day this Wednesday (March 12), the council is hoping more businesses will sign up to the service.
14 March 2012
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
NI Smokers Urged To Quit
People are being urged to kick their smoking habit to mark the official No Smoking Day 2012 following claims that 24% of NI's adult population smoke. According to recent statistics smoking still kills almost 2,300 people each year in Northern Ireland and leaves thousands more are living with debilitating illnesses as a result of their addiction.
11 March 2010
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
No Smoking Day Success
Thousands of smokers stubbed-it out yesterday as the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) annual No Smoking Day helped people across NI to kick the habit. Day two for 'quitters' looms, but one ex-smoker said it is important to persevere.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
