Smokers trying to quit are being given another tool to double their chances of beating nicotine with a new, free smartphone app based on a highly successful HSE social networking page.
The ‘You can quit’ Facebook page is a community of quitters past, present, and future who support each other as they attempt to come off nicotine.
On New Year’s Day yesterday, the ‘I Quit’ app was released to build on the Facebook page’s success
HSE director of public health Dr Fenton Howell said smokers who take advantage of support networks double the chance of giving up their habit.
“People can use the app to announce their plans to quit, find out about the help and support we can offer, and invite their Facebook friends to back them up along the way.
“We’ve reached a stage in Ireland where we have 1m people who have successfully quit smoking. While most people quit ‘cold turkey’, we know that people who get help or use a support service can double their chances of success,” he said.
“Help can come from online supports like our website or Facebook page, our QUITline, GPs, and pharmacists, HSE QUIT Smoking clinics, treatments, and medications — and, of course, from friends and family. People who have already quit can provide tremendous support and inspiration for those trying to do it themselves.”
Research shows that smoking is the single biggest cause of illness, disability, and death. In 2013, about 5,500 people will die from smoking-related diseases in Ireland.
Source: Claire O’Sullivan, Irish Examiner, 02/01/2013
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