NATIONAL INTERVENTION TO SMOKERS
Love you to stop
Today is the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) official World No Tobacco Day – highlighting the health risks associated with smoking tobacco and nicotine addiction.
In support of this initiative, South Africa’s largest pharmacy network -the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), invites non-smokers to join them in a public intervention, motivating loved ones, friends and colleagues that smoke, to take the first step towards a smoke-free life.
How do show you care?
By “liking” the Love You To Stop Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/loveyoutostop) as a non-smoker declare your support of the Stop Smoking Public Intervention. You can then encourage a family member, spouse, friend or even a colleague, by posting a personal plea to that smoker on the Page. If you were a smoker you can share your story as motivation for others. ICPA and their associates will also post relevant information, interesting facts and motivational tips.
ICPA’s chairperson Sham Moodley says:
“I think most smokers wish to quit but aren’t sufficiently motivated to stop smoking. Usually, smoking cessation campaigns are aimed directly at smokers. In this campaign, we’d like non-smokers – particularly those who really care for someone who is a smoker, to let their “someone” know that there’s a solid support system behind them should they take the first step to stop smoking.”
Share the facts
We have heard all the horrific stats:
• Tobacco kills one in 10 adults worldwide
• The chance that a lifelong smoker will die prematurely from a complication of smoking
is about 50%
• In South Africa, tobacco smoking ranks third highest as mortality risk factor- approximately 15% of deaths within over the age of 35
• Smoking can also be linked to a number of serious diseases such as cancers of the lung, cervix, pancreas and kidneys, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The ICPA encourages non-smokers to know the stats, to understand the risks and to motivate their smoking loved ones to take steps to stop. It’s not only an act of love, it’s a step towards loving life.
Where to get help?
The ICPA is already investing in a pilot project which will in the near future become a national smoking cessation programme offered by green door or independent pharmacies, all members of the ICPA, nationally.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) has over 1 200 member pharmacies spread throughout South Africa. The member pharmacies are all independent but united under the “green door” banner, providing the largest pharmacy network in South Africa.
Visit www.icpa.co.za or www.greendoorpharmacies.co.za to locate members.
Issued by:
Sherpa Business Communications
Tel: 021 912 4070 or info@sherpa.co.za
Media inquiries: Amelia de Milander at 083 509 1801 or amelia@sherpa.co.za
URL: http://www.icpa.co.za
Twitter:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveyoutostop
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Author: Amelia de Milander from Sherpa Business Communications. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za.
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