Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacy first quit choice

Pharmacists are the focus of a new Lung Foundation Australia pilot smoking cessation and social media initiative called QUIT4october. Lung Foundation Australia is asking pharmacists to encourage people who smoke to sign up to the scheme, which is dedicated to helping people to quit smoking with the support of their pharmacist through the month of October. The program is being piloted in four areas including Ballarat in Victoria, Toowoomba in Queensland and Dubbo & Ryde in NSW, with smokers being urged to visit their pharmacist to discuss best practice smoking cessation as outlined in the Australian smoking cessation guidelines. Lung Foundation Australia ceo, Heather Allan, said “With 3 million Australians (nearly 16% of those aged 14 or older) continuing to smoke tobacco and two in every three lifelong smokers dying prematurely from their habit, the QUIT4october program is launched at a crucial time when the recent tax rise increase may trigger people who smoke to stop their dependence on tobacco.” Tobacco Treatment Specialist Dr Colin Mendelsohn said quit attempts without support have only a 3-5% success rate compared to best practice treatment generating up to 30%. “Professional support enhances motivation, teaches the individual practical quitting skills and builds a supportive environment for the quitting journey,” he said. The Foundation has established a website with information for those wanting to quit and the opportunity to upload photos to QUIT4october. Go to www.quit4october.com.au.

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