11 March 2013
Students can save £10,000 by quitting smoking
Photo opportunity: 12-2pm on Wednesday, 13th March at Dundee University Students Association (DUSA). Students will be having the level of carbon monoxide in their blood checked as well as hearing about the health and financial benefits of stopping smoking.
Student smokers at the University of Dundee will this week be told how stubbing out the habit can save them over £10,000 over the duration of their degree, as well as delivering potentially lifesaving health benefits.
Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) will mark No Smoking Day on Wednesday, 13th March by offering advice about the range of services available to help smokers quit as well as making clear the ways in which their health and quality of life will be enhanced by them doing so.
A team from the University's Student Services Advice Team, aided by student volunteers, will be hosting a stall offering information and practical assistance to those who wish to quit but don't know how to go about it.
Students and staff will be able to get tested on a 'smokerlyzer' to find out the level of carbon monoxide in their blood and what this means for their health while a range of NHS initiatives to help people stop smoking will also be promoted. Details about meeting times for the University's Smoking Cessation Group will also be available.
"We will be focussing on both the health and financial benefits of stopping smoking," said Sheena Stewart from the Advice team. "We don't want to preach to anyone but rather to encourage them to consider the impact that smoking is having on their life and make up their own mind about whether to seek further help to stop.
"If a students smokes 20 cigarettes a day then it would cost them £10,192 over the course of their four-year course. We know what a challenge finance can be for some students so we'd like them to consider that extra money in their pockets.
"It could mean the difference between struggling to pay bills and really making the most of their University experience or it could mean graduating with significantly less debt. It could work out as the equivalent of a deposit on a flat or buying a car after graduation - what people spend the money on is up to them but they should know just how much cash they could free up by quitting.
"We will also have a host of literature and resources here to show students how they are damaging their bodies while paying heavily for the pleasure. A whole host of information will help them to identify the method of quitting that is best for them."
More information is available by contacting Sheena on s.a.p.stewart@dundee.ac.uk.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
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