It is well documented that people with severe mental health issues are more likely to smoke compared to the general population. Smoking reduces physical wellbeing and is a key modifiable risk factor for health inequality.

Despite this, support to stop smoking as part of mental health recovery is limited

This edition of Health Matters focuses on smoking among the population of people living with a broad range of mental health conditions, ranging from low mood and common conditions such as depression and anxiety to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The website...

A joint study conducted by the World Health Organization and the University of Newcastle in Australia has found that people who quit smoking tobacco at least four weeks before they undergo surgery have a lower risk of complication and show better results six months later.

The researchers found that patients were less likely to suffer from post-surgical infections and were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for additional care.

Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen levels, which can lead to post-surgical heart complications. Smoking also reduces the effectiveness of our immune...