More Help to Go Smokefree This Summer

Pinnacle Midlands Health Network News Release

For Immediate Use

More Help to Go Smokefree This Summer

Waikato people wanting to go smokefree this summer will have more help than ever thanks to Pinnacle Midlands Health Network.

People enrolled with one of the 50 Pinnacle practices across Waikato can access a collection of cessation service providers and Quit Coaches who can provide free advice and support to help them give up the cigarettes in 2016.

These providers can range from the practice’s dedicated smoking champion to the local pharmacist, as well as in the form of a referral to Quitline or your local Aukati Kai Paipa providers for Maori and Pacific Island people.

Sarah Harihari, Smoking Cessation Coordinator at Pinnacle says that having the support of services such as these can increase your chances of quitting successfully.

“Many people who choose to smoke are keen to quit. Having sustained support from service providers ensures more people make the attempt to quit and those that do are more likely to maintain a quit attempt.

“The huge health benefits aside, cigarettes are currently at $20 a pack of 20’s, there is certainty of more price increases in this coming New Year. A pack a day smoker would be spending $140 a week, or more than $7000 per year on cigarettes. Stay smokefree for ten years and that’s $70,000 saved.

“After the initial session they can agree follow up sessions with their provider. These can either be face to face appointments to help with relapse prevention and motivation to quit and stay smokefree or by phone support via the Quitline who will specifically design a quit program for you.

“To help them with nicotine cravings when quitting, people can also be supplied with nicotine replacement in the form of patches, gum and lozenges, which in some cases is available free of charge.

“Now is a great time to make a positive difference in your life, and our Pinnacle practices are here to help you all the way.”

For the details of your local Pinnacle Practice, visit www.itsmyhealth.co.nz

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