Start the New Year smoke-free

28 December 2007

Have you been wondering about your New Year’s resolutions? Well why not think about quitting smoking?

Hunter New England Health Smoke-free project coordinator Jenny Knight is encouraging smokers to ‘just have a go’ and start the New Year smoke-free.

“It is important for smokers to remember that each attempt takes them closer to being successful quitters,” Ms Knight said.

“This New Year is the best yet for making a quit attempt. With smoke-free hotels and clubs it will be easier than ever not to smoke while enjoying the festive season.

“Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. As health professionals, we see first hand the effect that smoking has on people’s lives – and the impact of smoking is devastating,” Ms Knight said.

Smoking continues to be the greatest cause of preventable death and disease in Australia – killing more than 19,000 Australians each year.

“It’s easy to read numbers like these and not let them sink in. Every one of those people is someone’s mother, father, sister or brother – and their early deaths were preventable.

“That is why it is so important to quit smoking now. The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you’ll realise the health benefits. The benefits can be felt in as little as a week.”

Research has shown using nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), like patches, can double their chance of quitting – but only if used correctly and for the right amount of time.

“These products deliver a low dose of nicotine compared to cigarettes and as a result, they reduce your body’s addiction to the nicotine in cigarettes and also reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as cravings and anxiety,” Ms Knight said.

“To work properly, nicotine replacement therapy should be used for eight weeks. Planning makes a big difference to your chances of success.

“And making a quit plan is easy – there are a few simple steps to follow.”

Set a date: Decide on the easiest day to quit

Get organised: Write a list of reasons for quitting, as well as a list of triggers that you know could make you crave cigarettes. Develop a plan for how to avoid those triggers.

Use NRT: Using NRT is a smart move and can double your chances of succeeding.

Get a piggy bank: Put the money saved from not buying cigarettes into a piggy bank and reward yourself with something like a holiday or a massage.

Get support: Ask your family, friends and work mates to help you quit smoking – better yet, ask a friend to quit with you.

Call the Quitline: The NSW Quitline (131 848) now offers a free callback service to provide extra support to people during their quit attempt.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: 4985 5522