New Year habit kickers

TWICE as many calls were made to the National Smokers Quitline in the 10 days leading up to New Year’s Eve, latest figures show.

Up to 500 calls were made to the support line between December 27 and January 3 this year - the most popular time of the year to consider kicking a tobacco habit.

This compares to a normal weekly call rate of about 250 calls per week when the service is being advertised.

However, the New Years figures are down on last year when the advent of the smoking ban in March led to about 1,000 calls in the run-up to the New Year.

According to Irish Cancer Society health promotion manager, Norma Cronin, the quitline has received almost 24,000 calls since it was set up in November 2003.

“People tend to ring when they first think about quitting and we can give them information, tips and counselling or else refer them to smoking cessation services in their area,” she said.

The National Smokers Quitline can be contacted on 1850 201 203. It is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.