BOPDHB Checkup May 2016 | Page 15

Take a Breath of Fresh Air This May By Smokefree Coordinator, Wendy Tustin-Payne. Smokefree Day is looming and will be celebrated internationally on the 31 May. Smokefree Day is the perfect opportunity to encourage work mates, patients, friends and whānau who smoke, to think about the effects of their smoking. This year’s theme It’s about the Whānau, reminds us that smoking not only affects the individual, but also those closest to them. of third hand smoke. Third hand smoke is when cigarette ash and smoke settles on the surface of furniture, carpet and car interiors and can be ingested or inhaled, long after smoking has stopped. “Children in particular are vulnerable to the effects of cigarette smoke, and often don’t have a choice to move away,” says Wendy. “Not smoking Free support including around children sets a good example, counselling, nicotine replacement as research indicates that children with therapy and information about parents who smoke are three times more cessation medication is available likely to take up smoking themselves.” to all Bay of Plenty District Health Board staff who smoke. Quitting smoking altogether can be a difficult process; however, taking small steps, like creating a smokefree car and home is a great step in the right direction. “Creating a smokefree car and home helps protect family and visitors from second hand smoke. With more than 350 people dying from second-hand smoke each year, the dangers of smoking remain long after the cigarette has been extinguished,” says Smokefree Co-ordinator Wendy Tustin-Payne. (Wendy is filling this role while Karyn Borman is on 12 months maternity leave. Wendy explained that the dangers of second hand smoke are well known and recent research has brought to light the dangers “Please, throughout the month of May, encourage patients who smoke, to make their homes and cars smokefree. They can ask friends and family to support them by not smoking in their car and home, putting up ‘no smoking’ stickers, and being a positive role model by not smoking around children. “Free support including counselling, nicotine replacement therapy and information about cessation medication is available to all Bay of Plenty District Health Board staff who smoke.” “If you are thinking about quitting smoking, or want some advice on creating smokefree spaces, contact Wendy Tustin-Payne at [email protected]. Alternatively, call the Quiteline on 0800 778 778. The Finished ARTicle thoughts, photos and ideas from our rehabilitation patients in a way to inspire and motivate all patients who attend rehabilitation therapy. By Team Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapy Team, Eilidh McGillivray. Our patients have often had life changing events and have to negotiate a new way forward in their life to ensure that they can still do all the things that matter to them and their families. A new display board has been designed by the in-patients attending the Te Koru Reha