Smokers to get mind therapy

Smokers to get mind therapy

More than a third of adults in NI thought to be addicted to tobacco

A number of events are to take place in Northern Ireland as part of a one-day initiative to discourage smoking.

Charities and health promotion groups are aiming to raise awareness on No Smoking Day, which takes place on Wednesday.

More than a third of adults in the province are thought to be addicted to tobacco.

The Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke association has enlisted the help of a hypnotherapist.

Hugh McCorry will use a technique called suggestive therapy on willing patients.

The therapy aims to convince the subconscious of an idea that the mind has already accepted, such as the fact that smoking is bad for your health or that it costs too much money.

Bins

Smokers anxious to quit could also throw away their cigarettes in 'quit-bins' provided at a bar in Belfast city centre.

The Apartment bar is to ban smoking until 2100 GMT as part of a joint promotion between Belfast City Council and the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

Staff from the charity will be on hand to give advice and support, and smokers can also try out a machine which measures their level of carbon monoxide.

Ulster Cancer Foundation spokesman Gerry McElwee said it was important that people knew they were not alone as they tried to give up smoking.

"The health benefits begin within 20 minutes of stopping and will greatly increase over the years," he said.

"Cigarettes can now cost over £4 for a packet of 20, so there are also obvious financial benefits in giving up."