Quit Smoking - Now!

The Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005 was passed into law on October 19. With the passage of the bill, the vast majority of indoor areas of workplaces and public places, such as restaurants, offices, schools, hospitals, markets, karaokes and bars, as well as certain outdoor areas, such as public bathing beaches and public swimming pools, are required to ban smoking from January 1, 2007.

This is obviously good news for all the non-smokers. For those of you who still smoke, it is actually good news too because now you have a few more good reasons to quit smoking. You know guys, making it more inconvenient for you to smoke means making it easier for you to quit smoking.

Now that you are ready, here are some quick tips to help you quit smoking:

• Be determined
• Get support from your family and friends
• Get rid of all cigarettes, matches, lighters and ashtrays from your home and office
• Avoid places that allow smoking
• Keep some "munchies" like sugar free chewing gum and fruit handy
• Reward yourself with gifts bought with the savings from not smoking

You may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and difficulty in concentrating, especially during the first week after you quit smoking. Here are some tips for you to resist the urge to smoke:

• Be resolute and remind yourself that "I must make it work!"
• Every time you want to smoke, delay reaching for a cigarette for as long as possible
• Take a deep breath to help yourself relax
• Drink more water and avoid tea, coffee, wine or other stimulants
• Engage in activities that can keep you away from smoking, e.g. doing exercises, gardening

Remember, you don't have to be alone in quitting smoking. You can try getting help from some smoking cessation service units. Below are the smoking cessation services provided by the Department of Health:

• Smoking Cessation Hotline (Tel: 1833 183) - telephone consultation on quitting smoking
• Education and Training Centre in Family Medicine (Tel: 2753 8115) - Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
• Other service units, such as chest clinics and elderly health centres - regular smoking cessation activities

For more information on quitting smoking, you may visit the "Smoke-free and Fresh" section of this website and the website of Tobacco Control Office of the Department of Health.

(Last Updated on 01-11-2006)