Smokers urged to quit Once and For All this Daffodil Day

Media release
For immediate release
Thursday 24 August

Smokers urged to quit Once and For All this Daffodil Day

Smokers in Waikato and Tairawhiti are being urged by the regions’ stop smoking provider, Once and For All, to quit their life-threatening habit this Daffodil Day.

“According to the Cancer Society, the link between smoking and cancer is very clear after years of research both here in New Zealand, and internationally,” Once and For All project lead Selena Batt said.

“In short, smoking definitely increases the risk of getting cancer. Lung cancer isn’t the only danger either – smoking also causes oesophagus, mouth, pancreas, bowel, ovary, kidney cancers and more.

“Worryingly, smoking is responsible for the death of 5,000 New Zealander’s each year, and half of all regular smokers die early from a smoking related disease.

Selena said there are thousands of smokers out there in the Waikato and Tairawhiti regions who are making this statistic a reality.

According to the latest census, in the Waikato region there is 43,700 smokers aged 15 years and over – more than 15 per cent of the population. In the Tairawhiti region there is 6,900 smokers aged 15 years and over – more than 23 per cent of the population.

“We’re urging smokers to make Daffodil Day a milestone – the day they actively reduced their risk of illness or death by cancer. The day they sign up to our programme and quit smoking Once and For All.

Selena said the Once and For All programme, facilitated by Pinnacle Midlands Health Network, kicked off in October 2016 and is one of 14 providers lending their efforts towards the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 vision.

“Smokers in the Waikato and Tairawhiti regions can sign up for free online at www.onceandforall.co.nz or by phoning 0800 6623 4522,” Selena said.

“Those who sign up are offered intensive behavioural support with a dedicated Quit Coach. These Quit Coaches already have a background in the health industry – many of them are doctors and nurses so they know what they’re talking about when they say that quitting smoking has positive effects from day one.

“They also have empathy and connect with smokers on a personal level. Many of them know what it’s like to quit – so they’re coming from a place of experience but also respect for the smoker and the journey they’re on.”

“We hope to see a spike in online enrolments this Daffodil Day, as people realise the severe damage that’s being done to their health, and the correlation between smoking and cancer. It’s time to start afresh.”

More about Once and For All

• Smokers in the Waikato and Tairawhiti regions can sign up to the Once and For All programme online, through their GP or community health provider, or by phone.

• Once enrolled in the programme they pick a target quit date and are supported through their journey with a Quit Coach. They can take part in group or individual support sessions in their home, workplace or in-clinic.

• Smokers who quit successfully receive a gift voucher to the value of $50. Pregnant smokers who quit successfully receive a gift voucher to the value of $300.

• To sign up, visit onceandforall.co.nz or phone 0800 6623 4522.

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