Auckland District Health Board Wednesday 26 May 2010, 11:01AM
Media relealse from Auckland District Health
Board
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is spreading the
smokefree message to students including future nurses and other
health professionals at AUT North Shore for World Smokefree
Day.
ARPHS spokesperson Dr Andrew Lindsay says smoking rates are highest
amongst the 20-24 year old age group.
"Promoting the smokefree message on campus is a great opportunity
to target large numbers of younger smokers," said Dr Lindsay.
"There are a number of events planned for Auckland campuses. We
want them to know what support and tools are available. The earlier
they quit, the better it is for their health."
Help on offer at the campus included quit cards (which provide
access to discounted nicotine replacement therapy or 'NRT') samples
of NRT lozenges, and giveaways of stress balls, lip balms and
quit-reminder bookmarks. Using NRT can double the chance of
successfully quitting smoking compared to relying on will power
alone.
Senior Nursing Lecturer and Director of Smokefree Nurses Aoteoroa,
Grace Wong, was pleased with the turnout and response from the
students.
"Students who smoke were approaching the 'Quit coaches' and asking
for advice. It was a fresh approach to promoting health and there
was a lot of interest from the students.
"As well as helping those that want to quit, we are looking to
promote smokefree to AUT nursing and health students. Nurses are
able to offer smoking quit advice when interacting with patients,"
said Grace Wong.
The focus for World Smokefree Day 2010 is all about giving quitting
smoking a go - and friends and family supporting those who want to
quit.