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Towards a Smokefree Life – Starting the Journey this Month

11 May 2011

Towards a Smokefree Life – Starting the Journey this Month

The lead-up to World Smokefree Day has begun and it couldn’t be a better opportunity to join people from all over the globe in making history together this May.

“It’s a unique opportunity to stand alongside others in a global movement for change – it’s an extremely positive and empowering experience, especially for those who use World Smokefree Day as their date to quit smoking,” says Waitemata DHB smokefree coordinator Leanne Kirton.

“We’re inviting people to join with others around the globe, to step up and assert their freedom 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, is it?”

World Smokefree Day is an international event created by the World Health Organisation to support and celebrate smokefree lives. The season begins in New Zealand during May and culminates in the official World Smokefree Day, which is observed on May 31 each year.

A number of Smokefree promotions are planned at Waitakere and North Shore in the lead up to World Smokefree Day, with this year’s theme all about giving quitting a go.

Smokefree promotions are planned on May 26 at the Westfield malls at Albany, Henderson, Glenfield and Takapuna, with volunteers from a range of organisations – including Waitemata DHB, HealthWest, Waiora PHO, Harbour Health, Procare, Te Puna PHO, the Pacific Quit Service and Pacific Heartbeat – on hand at the malls to talk with people about the range of free options available to help them or their family members quit smoking.

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Ms Kirton says the aim is to create a supportive environment that encourages people to consider quitting smoking, and to highlight the vast range of support that’s available.

“Even just using the patches, gum or lozenges doubles your chances – and those that also have support from services like Quitline are up to five times more likely to succeed.”

The first steps in the journey to a smokefree life could also be the perfect opportunity to start increasing the bank balance.

“For a 20-a-day smoker, quitting the habit can amount to an extra $100 a week, $400 a month or over $5000 a year. That’s a nice bonus.”

“Some people beat the addiction on the first try, others have a couple of goes but no matter how long you’ve been a smoker, you can beat this – there’s no need for it to define your future.

“All you need to do is set a date, talk to Quitline or the health service you see most and get hold of some patches, gum or lozenges and go for it.”

For help to quit smoking, people can contact the following cessation providers:

Asian Smokefree Communities Programme – 09 448 0475 (Cantonese and Mandarin), 09 448 0474 (Korean), 09 448 0018 (Hindi and Fijian Hindi), or 09 448 0017 (Burmese)
Te Ha Oranga – 09 420 8523 (Helensville area) or 09 423 6091 (Wellsford)
Ngati Whatua o Orakei Health Services – 09 578 0967 (West Auckland and North Shore)
Pacific Quit Smoking Service 0800 867 848
Pasifika Smoking Cessation – 09 578 0967
Pregnancy Smoking Cessation Service – 09 448 0013
Quitline – 0800 778 778

They can also talk to their GP for help to quit smoking.

ENDS


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