Take the Leap...Quit and Get Fit!

The Seven Towers Leisure Centre is holding an interactive No Smoking Day event on Wednesday, March 14, between 6-8pm when a team of trained Leisure Centre staff, a Pharmacist and Smoking Cessation Specialist will be on hand to encourage smokers to ‘Take the Leap’ to quit smoking.

Terry Diamond, Seven Towers Leisure Centre Manager said: “Quitting smoking is the single most important thing that anyone can do for their health. Our staff have undertaken training to signpost clients to local ‘quit smoking’ services.

“I would urge anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking to “Take the Leap” and drop in to the leisure centre on Wednesday evening between 6pm and 8pm to get yourself checked out and see what’s on offer!”

The No Smoking Day event will offer residents from Ballymena:

* Information on local ‘quit smoking’ services

* Body Mass Index (BMI) analysis

* Blood pressure monitoring

* Lung age testing

* Sign up for a free Fitness Suite Induction (*Terms and conditions apply)

* Free family swim for successful quitters (*Terms and conditions apply)

Representatives from Ballymena Walking Group and Ballymena Running Club will also be present to encourage and welcome new members.

Terry added: “It is recognised that many people worry about putting on weight when they stop smoking, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Regular walking, running or swimming four times a week can increase lung function and help maintain your weight….and its fun!”

Juliet Coulter, Senior Environmental Health Officer with Ballymena Borough Council supports the No Smoking Day Event, saying: “Whilst one in four people in Northern Ireland smoke, up to 75% of these smokers actually want to quit. Smokers are four times more likely to succeed in quitting if they get the right support which is why I wholeheartedly support the Leisure Centre’s efforts to let Ballymena people know what help is available within the borough.

“No Smoking Day, particularly in this leap year and in the run up to the Olympic Games, is a great opportunity to ‘Take the Leap’ and quit smoking.”