Pharmacies across Cork are encouraging smokers to ask about the support available to help them quit the habit. As national No Smoking Day took place earlier this week on Wednesday, February 13th, it was outlined that 7,000 people die from smoking-related diseases in Ireland each year. On average, smokers lose 10 to 15 years from their life expectancy.
Pharmacists outlined that these deaths are preventable as within 48 hours of quitting, all the carbon monoxide is eliminated while after one year, the excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker. Vice president of the Irish Pharmacy Union Kathy Maher stated that research shows that 70% of people who do smoke wish to give up. “A successful outcome for a patient depends on a number of different things including the smoker’s temperament, the severity of their addiction, how many times they've tried to quit before and their motivation for quitting,” she said. “Pharmacists can help patients find what works best for them and offer advice on other appropriate supports such as nicotine replacement therapy to help manage cravings.”
Source: thecorknews.ie, 15/02/2013
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