It's a great time for people to make the decision to quit smoking.

Everybody knows someone who smokes and wants to quit, or, maybe that someone is yourself?

The health promotion team in Population Health, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) are holding information stalls at the Lithgow hospital; main entrance, today from 12-2pm.

The Health Promotion team will provide a range of information materials on smoking and quitting, measuring people’s carbon monoxide levels using a ‘smokealiser’, and talking to people about ways and strategies to quit, where and how to find support, and referring people to Quitline.

Smoking continues to be a leading cause of ill health in NSW, causing 5,300 deaths and 46,000 hospitalisations per year. Australia’s strong stance in tackling tobacco related harm has included the implementation of a range of public health policies.

The Health Promotion team will also be talking to people and informing them about the new smoke-free commercial outdoor dining legislation and the Local Health District’s by-laws.

Associate Professor Bradley Forssman, Director Public Health, NBMLHD, said the new law taking effect in July this year, which makes smoking in outdoor dining areas illegal, is a move to protect the community from second hand smoke.

“In addition to the seated dining area, smoking will be illegal within 4 metres of its entry or exit. This new law applies to licenced venues and restaurants as well as cafes, and carries a possible on the spot fine of $300. Business owners can be fined $5,500 if a person is found to be smoking in their outdoor dining area”, said Dr Forssman.

Smoking is a major risk for a wide range of illnesses, one of the more common being emphysema. Emphysema causes difficulty breathing and leads the sufferer to think about each and every breath they take; sometimes for years.

Alejandra Martinez, Senior Health Promotion Officer, NBMLHD, said quitting is not easy, but with support and nicotine replacement therapy it can be done.

“Think how wonderful it would be to walk up stairs without being out of breath. In fact, how wonderful would it be to breathe more easily all the time? Get help to quit now because everyone can do it,” said Alejandra.

If you’ve had enough of smoking and want to quit, contact one of the support services listed below:

 Quitline on 13 Quit (13 7848),

 Speak to your doctor or pharmacist

 Go to the Quitline’s website www.icanquit.com.au

 Download the free My Quit Buddy app from iTunes, GooglePlay,or http://www.quitnow.gov.au.