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Gearing up for World Smokefree Day
Gearing up for World Smokefree Day
May is a great time for people who smoke to consider setting a quit date.
Tuesday 31 May marks World Smokefree Day, an international event created by the World Health Organisation to support and celebrate smokefree lives.
Waikato DHB Smokefree co-ordinator Kate Dallas says the lead-up to World Smokefree Day is already underway and this is a great opportunity for New Zealanders to join people from all over the globe in making history this May.
“This is a unique opportunity to stand alongside others in a global movement for change. It’s a positive and empowering experience, especially for those who use World Smokefree Day as their date to quit smoking,” says Kate.
“We’re inviting those who smoke to join with others around the globe and step up this May. Too often tobacco use is presented as a matter of personal choice, but it’s hardly a choice when it’s an addiction.”
Whether you wait until World Smokefree Day or start now, there are some really good options to help you quit.
Nicotine replacement products double your chances of staying smokefree and if you use a support service your chances will triple.
Quitline is a really good support service for those wanting to kick the habit. Their trained staff will help you with motivation and nicotine replacement, so give them a call on 0800 778 778 and set your quit date today!
For those wanting local face-to-face support contact Aukati kai Paipa on 0800 KICK THE HABIT (0800 542 584).
Another good option is the new oral medication Champix, which is now fully funded. To get your prescription for Champix visit your GP.
Remember, although some people do beat the addiction on
the first try, others have a couple of goes before
succeeding. The main thing to remember is it doesn’t
matter how long you’ve been a smoker, anyone can beat the
addiction.
“There’s no need for smoking to define your future,” says Kate.
Another incentive of the journey to a smokefree life is the increase in the bank balance.
“For a 20-a-day smoker, quitting can amount to an extra $100 a week, $400 a month or over $5000 a year. That’s a nice bonus,” says Kate.
“All you need to do is set a date, talk to Quitline or another health service, get hold of some patches, gum and lozenges and go for it.”
http://www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/page/pageid/2145866963/Health_messages_on_TV
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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