Do you want to quit smoking? Keep busy with constructive work
May 30, 2006
IN 1999, I lost an auntie to chronic bronchitis which resulted from smoking. I started a crusade against smoking, especially for passive smokers who are exposed to danger as smokers.
By Winifred Natukunda
IN 1999, I lost an auntie to chronic bronchitis which resulted from smoking. I started a crusade against smoking, especially for passive smokers who are exposed to danger as smokers.
Smokers have a responsibility to protect the non-smokers like family members, friends, co-workers and colleagues of smokers. And non-smokers should never fear to remind them of that.
Parents should stop smoking around children. Community leaders should also ensure that public places are tobacco smoke free.
How to stop smoking
A study in UK showed that people who stopped smoking before they reached 30 years of age lived almost as long as those who never smoked.
It is also possible to help reduce the risks by reducing the frequency of smoking and by proper diet and exercise. Research shows that some of the damage caused by smoking can be moderated with the use of antioxidants.
Dr David Basangwa of Butabika alcohol and substance abuse programme says the basics in smoking cessation include the smoker’s determination, environment and counselling. The health ministry released hand-outs for smokers with the following tips.
Decide that you want to stop smoking.
Gradually reduce on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day.
Stop buying more cigarettes.
Avoid the company of smokers.
Reject cigarette offers.
Keep busy with constructive work.
Exercise.
Chew gum whenever you feel the urge to smoke.
Avoid enticing environment like bars and frantic sports that could lead to smoking.
Exercise personal hygiene, clean your teeth and wear clean clothes (without cigarette holes).
In other countries, those who want to quit smoking use a variety of nicotine-containing tobacco substitutes, or nicotine replacement therapy products to temporarily lessen the physical withdrawal symptoms, the most popular being nicotine gum and lozenges.
But these are not locally available.
Dr Sheila Ndyanabangi, the co-ordinator of the No-Smoking Day, says the ministry cannot waste its scarce resources on importing the substances because they are not even 100% effective. “The basic treatment is counselling because smoking is a problem of the mind.â€
You can read a dozen articles and books about how to quit, but to truly succeed you must turn your knowledge into action. All smokers know that smoking is bad for them and that they should quit.
The writer is a
no-smoking activist
IN 1999, I lost an auntie to chronic bronchitis which resulted from smoking. I started a crusade against smoking, especially for passive smokers who are exposed to danger as smokers.
Smokers have a responsibility to protect the non-smokers like family members, friends, co-workers and colleagues of smokers. And non-smokers should never fear to remind them of that.
Parents should stop smoking around children. Community leaders should also ensure that public places are tobacco smoke free.
How to stop smoking
A study in UK showed that people who stopped smoking before they reached 30 years of age lived almost as long as those who never smoked.
It is also possible to help reduce the risks by reducing the frequency of smoking and by proper diet and exercise. Research shows that some of the damage caused by smoking can be moderated with the use of antioxidants.
Dr David Basangwa of Butabika alcohol and substance abuse programme says the basics in smoking cessation include the smoker’s determination, environment and counselling. The health ministry released hand-outs for smokers with the following tips.
But these are not locally available.
Dr Sheila Ndyanabangi, the co-ordinator of the No-Smoking Day, says the ministry cannot waste its scarce resources on importing the substances because they are not even 100% effective. “The basic treatment is counselling because smoking is a problem of the mind.â€
You can read a dozen articles and books about how to quit, but to truly succeed you must turn your knowledge into action. All smokers know that smoking is bad for them and that they should quit.
The writer is a
no-smoking activist