Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service is highlighting the support available to the local Muslim community who want to stop smoking during the month of Ramadan, which runs from August 21 to September 19.
This is seen as a great opportunity for Muslims who smoke to give up completely and remain smoke free after the holy month.
Smoke Free Ramadan calendars are being distributed to the Leamington Spa mosque with advice and tips on stopping smoking, along with details of Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service.
Dawn Powers, Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service’s Specialist Smoking Cessation Advisor for the area, said: ”Smoking is a serious issue within the Asian community, many of whom follow the faith of Islam. However, Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity to stop smoking for good as for most of the day people will refrain from smoking. The stop smoking service can provide products to help with quitting, for example, Zyban and Champix, which can be used before and after fasting.”
The Stop Smoking Service provides one-to-one specialist support in doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies for smokers who want to quit, along with prescriptions for nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum, Zyban and Champix. For details of local stop smoking services contact Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 085 2917.
The NHS Asian Tobacco Helplines also offer confidential, free advice. Specialist advisors offer free on-going support in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati and Bengali. Urdu – 0800 169 0 881, Punjabi – 0800 169 0 882, Hindi – 0800 169 0 883, Gujarati – 0800 169 0 844, Bengali – 0800 169 0 885. All lines are open every Tuesday from 1 pm to 9 pm.
Ends
For further information:
Jonathan Sharp
Communications
NHS Warwickshire
Tel: 01926 493491 ext: 486
Notes to Editor:
For more information see
http://newash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_131/ASH_131.html
www.muslimhealthnetwork.org
Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service is part of the Smoke Free Warwickshire Alliance
Smoke Free Warwickshire is a multi-agency alliance committed to providing smoke free air, helping smokers to stop and promoting a tobacco free society.