Today is World No Tobacco Day and anyone in South Western Sydney considering quitting smoking for the health benefits has another reason to do so: the good of the planet.
The World Health Organization’s theme for this year’s campaign is “Tobacco: threat to our environment”.
This draws attention to the environmental impact caused by the tobacco industry, which disproportionately impacts low-income countries.
Karen Wardle, the acting director for South Western Sydney Local Health District health promotion service, says helping to end the environmental impact of tobacco production and distribution on our planet is one more reason to consider quitting.
“People who take the step towards improving their health by quitting smoking are giving themselves a huge gift,’’ says Ms Wardle.
“The fact it also contributes to protecting our planet is a double win,” Ms Wardle said.
“There are immediate health benefits of quitting and, over the longer term, quitting will reduce your risk of 16 different types of cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke and other debilitating conditions.
“We understand that quitting smoking can be a challenging time and it can take repeated attempts to kick the habit. There are so many services here to support you and every quit attempt makes it easier to stop smoking next time around.”
On the topic of e-cigarettes, Ms Wardle cautions that they are not a safer, cleaner or healthier alternative to smoking tobacco.
“E-cigarettes may expose users to chemicals and toxins harmful to health and in many cases contain nicotine,’’ she said.
For information, tips and tools to support people to quit, use these services:
• NSW Quitline on 13 78 48. It offers a free confidential service with fully trained counsellors. Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Aboriginal Quitline counsellors are also available.
• Visit the website www.icanquit.com.au for up-to-date information and personalised quitting advice.
• Talk to a healthcare professional or GP.
• South Western Sydney Local Health District provides a Quit For New Life smoking cessation program that supports any family about to have a baby or have had a child under 3 years of age. The program provides vouchers for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy with the main aim of reducing the rate of smoking in pregnancy and beyond for families in the district.
For more information, call 4634 3054.
More information on the WHO campaign is here: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
