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20 January 2012
Pharmacies are being encouraged to play a role in one of the UK’s longest standing and most successful health campaigns.
The No Smoking Day campaign, which is now in its 29th year and recently merged with the British Heart Foundation, is urging pharmacy staff to help spread the word to customers about quit smoking resources and services in their local area.
The slogan for the 2012 campaign is ‘take the leap’ and smokers will be asked to do this on February 29 – leap year day – and prepare to quit smoking on No Smoking Day itself two weeks later on March 14.
Vishnee Sauntoo, No Smoking Day campaign marketing manager, said, “Pharmacies are perfectly placed to help spread the word about No Smoking Day and help people ditch their cigarettes for good.
“Whether it’s helping people who’ve already decided to quit and are actively looking for support, or tactfully broaching the subject with some of your customers who would benefit enormously from quitting and advising them on how to do it.
“We’ve had some great activities carried out in pharmacies in previous years from testing patients’ carbon monoxide levels when they collect prescriptions, to poster competitions and information sessions for children. Pharmacies are the ideal local community contact for patients.”
Lindsey Gilpin, chair or the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said, “Our message to smokers who are planning to quit is to take advantage of the support available at their local pharmacy; you’ll get friendly and expert advice and treatment to help you to stop smoking for good.
“No Smoking Day is a fantastic campaign and a brilliant opportunity for pharmacists to remind the public and local community that they are there to provide help and support to anyone thinking about stopping smoking. Visiting a local pharmacy for help and advice on how to stop smoking significantly increases the chances of success.
“We are delighted to be supporting the No Smoking Day activities and help smokers who have decided to “take the leap” into a healthier future.”
A downloadable ‘how to’ guide is available for pharmacists to help them organise No Smoking Day events and activities. It can downloaded at http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/health-professionals/.