Tuesday, 31 May is the World Health Organization’s 35th World No Tobacco Day.
This years’ theme is ‘Tobacco: Threat to our Environment’ which aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of tobacco, and provide another reason to consider quitting smoking.
Tobacco farming, and the manufacture, distribution and use of tobacco products have severe environmental consequences, including deforestation, use of fossil fuels, and dumping or leaking of waste products.
With about 90% of tobacco production concentrated in the developing world, much of the environmental burden falls on countries with the least resources to cope with them.
Although we have seen great reductions in tobacco smoking over the past 20 years, smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the North Coast region, Australia and the world.
Evidence shows that most people who smoke are interested in quitting and expect health professionals to ask about smoking as part their clinical role. All health care practitioners play a vital role in encouraging and supporting people to quit smoking.
If you haven’t already, it’s a great reminder to review how your clinic integrates smoking cessation into routine practice. Accredited practices may also be eligible to access incentive payments through the Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI).
Check out our Primary Care Impact pages Improve recording of smoking status (PIP QI) and Embed smoking cessation conversations into routine care to get started today.
For clinical guidance, visit Mid and North Coast HealthPathways:
HealthPathways | Smoking Cessation
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d
For support to quit smoking visit www.icanquit.com.au or call Quitline on 13 7848.