No Butts! Health Professionals and Tobacco Control
- Health Professionals have a fundamental role to play in tobacco control. They reach a high percentage of the target population and they have the opportunity to help smokers change their behaviour. Health professionals can also give advice, guidance and answers to questions related to the consequences of tobacco use and can serve as role models for non-smoking.
- World No-Tobacco Day 2005 provides a good framework for mobilising and strengthening the capacity of health professionals organisations in tobacco control.
Today, tobacco has become a public health priority, as it is the second major cause of death in the world. It is currently responsible for about 5 million deaths each year.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SMOKING
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals in the form of particles. Nicotine (the addictive substance of tobacco) cigarette smoke contains various toxins (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, lead etc), which have marked irritant properties and are suspected or known to be cancer causing.
Smoking increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) which is the narrowing of blood vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. PVD can lead to gangrene and, ultimately, loss of limb. Smokers are 10 times more likely to develop PVD as compared to non-smokers.
CANCER ASSOCIATION
Volunteers will be on four railway stations highlighting Anti-Tobacco Month in May. On 31 May, an exhibition will be held at Cape Town Station.
HOW TO COPE WITH SYMPTOMS AFTER GIVING UP CIGARETTES:
Symptoms |
Reason |
How to Cope |
Craving |
Your body is used to getting regular ‘fixes’ of nicotine |
The strong urge to smoke usually lasts 1-5 minutes before fading away. Do something to occupy yourself until the feeling passes |
Light headedness & loss of concentration |
Probably caused by lack of nicotine |
Take things more slowly. Don’t push yourself too hard for the next few days. Get regular exercise. Eat properly |
Coughing |
Your lungs are clearing out the tar and excess mucous |
Sip warm water. The coughing will soon clear up by itself |
Tension & irritability |
Low blood nicotine levels |
Take a walk, soak in a hot bath and try relaxation techniques. |
Depression |
Modest exercise Change routines which triggered smoking habits |
Modest exercise can help lift your mood. Take one step at a time |
Hunger |
Probably caused by lack of nicotine Lack of oral gratification |
Eat low kilojoule snacks. Try to eat 6 small meals a day. Drink plenty of water |
Trouble sleeping |
Your body metabolism is returning to normal |
Soak in a hot bath and drink a glass of hot milk before going to bed can also help. |
THE CAPE TOWN NO-TOBACCO FORUM TASK GROUP consists of
| Department of Health (Western Cape) | 021 483 2677 |
| Cancer Assocociation | 021 689 5347 |
| Heart Foundation | 021 447 4222 |
| City Health Smoke Complaints Line | 021 400 4291 |
| City Health Directorate | 021 400 4290 |
| Smokenders | 021 788 9120 |
| Health Promotion | 021 918 1708 (Editor) |
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DEPARTMENTE VAN GESONDHEID DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISEBE LEZEMPILO |
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- No Butts! Smoking and Pregnancy
- No Butts! Health Professionals and Tobacco Control
- No Butts! Passive Smoking
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We are pleased to share with you that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has once again achieved certification as a Top Employer in 2024. |
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This project is an initiative of the Western Cape Government. |
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