World Smokefree Day 2015 this Sunday – Quitting made easy

World Smokefree Day 2015 this Sunday – Quitting made easy

The rate of smoking in New Zealand continues to drop, with rates going from 20.7% in 2006 to 15.1% in 2013 according to the Census.

George Rapana, a quit coach at Tui Ora in New Plymouth, says it’s encouraging that people are continuing to quit, allowing them to lead and enjoy a smokefree life. “It reinforces that most smokers want to give up, but they don’t always have the support they need and don’t always know how.”

World Smokefree Day on Sunday May 31 is about encouraging people across New Zealand to quit by raising awareness of how they can become smokefree and what support is available to them.

Research indicates that at least eight out of every 10 people who smoke regret starting, and six in every 10 have tried quitting in the last five years.

George says that quitting smoking isn’t easy. “It takes courage to do, but in the end it’s worth it. The benefits of not being a smoker and leading a healthy life make it all worthwhile.” Free smoking cessation services at Tui Ora, a Tarananki health and social services organisation, are available for anyone.

“Our job,” explains George “is to make it as easy as possible. We provide people who smoke with tools and strategies that work best for them.” Whether it is face-to-face or phone support services, Txt2quit, online blogs or applications like Goalpost which reward and connect people with friends and supporters, there is a lot of motivational help available.

It’s also important that those who haven’t been able to quit, realise it’s not a failure and don’t give up. “It’s part of the quit journey, “ says George. “For some it takes more than one attempt. The fact that people have taken steps is a positive start and we encourage people to use all the tools and support available as much as possible to help them.”

He says there may be smokers out there, keen to discourage others from starting. It might be as simple as creating a smokefree home and car, or turning quitting into a team event. Others can show support by respecting people’s decision to quit and by offering encouragement.

“Tobacco use is declining but it still kills more than 5000 New Zealanders every year.
World Smokefree Day provides an opportunity to join with others around the world and take a step towards a smokefree future.” Contact a Quit Coach at Tui Ora 06 759 4064 or Ruanui Health 06 278 1310 to find out about services.

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