January 10, 2012
Now that the party season is over, smokers who have made a New Year’s resolution to quit (and even those who haven’t!), are encouraged to act on their resolution and make a fresh start to 2012.
While many smokers make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking at the stroke of midnight, they can fail because they are still in holiday and party mode.
Cancer Council Western Australia says that for many people, now is the perfect time to act on a New Year’s resolution as it is the week where many return to work and their normal routine.
“Trying to quit at the height of the party season is not the best idea,” said Libby Knight, Cancer Council WA Manager of Tobacco Programs.
“People should aim for a time when there are fewer temptations around, or when they are back into their usual routine.
“We know that many smokers have had a long relationship with cigarettes, and saying goodbye is not easy – that’s why it is important to plan a quit attempt around times when you’re less likely to be tempted” said Ms Knight.
“Even if you have tried over New Year, or in the past, it’s never too late to try again. Giving up at 30 cuts out almost all risk of dying prematurely and if you give up at 50 you can halve your chance of dying young – surely this is reason alone to give quitting a go.”
Smokers looking for support to quit need to know there is plenty of help available, whether it be talking to their GP or pharmacist about options, calling the Quitline or participating in a Cancer Council WA Fresh Start smoking cessation course.
“There are lots of quit strategies available and it can be helpful to get advice to help decide which one might be best for you,” Ms Knight said.
While WA’s smoking prevalence is at an all-time low amongst adults, 250,000 people in WA still smoke every day.
Quitline 13 7848 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in WA (normal charges apply to mobile phones).
Information about Fresh Start smoking cessation courses is also available by calling the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
