18
Support your whānau to be Smokefree this May
By Karyn Borman , Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator .
World Smokefree Day ( WSFD ) is on 31st May and is about celebrating and working towards smokefree / auahi kore lives for New Zealanders . One of the objectives of WSFD is to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and increase quit attempts by raising awareness of the smokefree kaupapa . The theme , ‘ it ’ s about whānau ’, is about taking control and creating environments where everyone , especially babies and children , are free from exposure to tobacco and second-hand smoke . There is also a focus on encouraging and supporting friends , family and whānau to be smokefree .
We know that stopping smoking isn ’ t always easy , the idea of it can be scary and it takes courage to get started but I have never met anyone who has come through it who didn ’ t think that it was worth it . There are benefits to stopping smoking that many people don ’ t even expect , such as no more tingling feeling in the fingers and toes , being able to taste and smell better and being able to focus on tasks for longer without getting distracted . For people who are thinking about stopping smoking , there is lots of support available so they don ’ t feel alone and are encouraged to keep going .
Many people think that stopping smoking is something that they should be able to do without help , however the reality is that those who take up support from a stop smoking service have a much higher success rate ( 1 in 4 ) than those who go it alone ( 1 in 25 ). Not only is there no shame in accepting help , it ’ s the smart thing to do .
The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is committed to creating a supportive environment that makes quitting smoking as easy as possible . The Quitters ’ Club provides information on the smoking cessation support available to BOPDHB staff , including contractors . The buildings and grounds of all BOPDHB sites are smokefree , which supports the smokefree 2025 vision by reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and denormalising smoking .
For free advice and support to stop smoking , information on how to help patients who smoke , or for any questions regarding BOPDHB ’ s Smokefree Policies , email Karyn Borman , Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator , at smokefree @ bopdhb . govt . nz or phone extension 8476 .
Hāpainga : a journey to wellness
Quitting smoking is an individual journey and brings many health benefits .
After 10 years Lung and cancer rate is halved .
After 1 year Risk of heart attack is halved .
After 48 hours Nerve endings start to regrow . Taste and smell improves .
After 20 minutes Blood pressure and pulse return to normal .
After 15 years Risk of heart attack drops to same as someone who has never smoked .
After 5 years Risk of stroke reduces .
After 3 months Lungs become healthier and breathing is easier .
After 8 hours Oxygen in blood increases and risk of heart attack starts to fall .
The moment you quit Your body begins a series of changes that continue for years .
Looking for quit smoking information ?
Contact smokefree @ bopdhb . govt . nz or see http :// oneplace / search Quitters Club .