Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Australia, with tobacco the cause of about 19,000 deaths each year.

Registrar representative from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dr Kelly Seach said it was a chance for young people to decide that they didn’t want to become a statistic.

‘‘Quitting can deliver real health benefits very quickly,’’ said Dr Seach.

‘‘It is not easy, but there are many support resources that can help you to breathe easier.

‘‘One of the best supports is your local GP.’’

Health promotions worker at Bendigo Health Julie Lake said that students considering quitting should speak to their school nurse or counsellor, who would refer them on to the Bendigo Community Health quit educator.

One-on-one or group sessions are available to educate rather than dictate what young people should or shouldn’t do.

‘‘It gives them a degree of respect,’’ Ms Lake said.

The quit educator offers support and advice on how to manage withdrawal symptoms and other coping strategies.

‘‘The quit educator can work out how addicted you are to nicotine, and figure out the reasons why you smoke,’’ she said.

‘‘People that quit alone have a three per cent success rate and a high relapse rate.

‘‘They really do need help.’’

Bendigo Health organised for 10 laryngectomy patients to visit Weeroona Secondary College earlier this month to discourage potential smokers from taking up the habit.

Dr Seach said that quitting could deliver health benefits very quickly.

‘‘Within 12 hours all the nicotine will metabolise and after 24 hours the blood carbon monoxide levels will drop significantly,’’ Dr Seach said.

‘‘After five days, your sense of smell and taste will improve.

‘‘And after 10 years the risk of lung cancer is half that of continuing smokers.’’Local 19-year-old Shae Morrison took up smoking in Year 9 to fit in with his group of friends.

After three years he kicked the habit, and has been smoke-free for almost a year now.

He said that social reasons were a big reason why he quit.

‘‘You’re really conscious about the way you smell,’’ he said.

‘‘After you come in from having a smoke, people who don’t smoke can really smell it.’’

When Shae began a pre-apprenticeship at TAFE his classmates didn’t smoke, which he says helped him to quit.

‘‘It’s nice (being smoke-free), you’ve got more energy - I’m back playing sport, which I love,’’ he said.

‘‘You’re generally happier because you’re not relying on something.’’

For information on quitting smoking, phone Bendigo Community Health on 54481600.