BHF encourages pharmacists to use No Smoking Day as opportunity to promote smoking cessation

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging pharmacy staff to use to use No Smoking Day as an opportunity to increase participation among patients by promoting resources and local support services.

No Smoking Day 2016 will take place on Wednesday 9 March. In the lead up to the day, smokers are being encouraged to see their GP, pharmacist, or stop smoking adviser and stock up on quit aids such as patches and gum so they’re ready to make a quality quit attempt.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said:

Pharmacists play an integral role in preparing and supporting smokers during their quit journey. From educating smokers on the benefits of quitting, to advising on the right aids and resources for a successful quit attempt, pharmacists and pharmacy staff are able to make a real difference to the health of their local communities.

Supporting the campaign can be as easy as decorating the pharmacy and handing out leaflets. Engaging your patients on the subject might help them take the first step towards a smoke-free life.

Howard Duff, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Director for England, commented:

Pharmacies are one of the most accessible support systems available to smokers wanting to give up the habit, with 99 per cent of the population able to get to one within 20 minutes by car.

Pharmacists educating smokers about the importance of stopping smoking, and about smoking cessation products and services available to them can lead to them giving up completely. This in turn can improve their health and the health of others around them, save lives and ease pressure on the NHS.

Nearly one in five UK adults smoke, doubling their risk of heart attack and stroke. Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health, and the risk to heart health decreases significantly soon after stopping.

The British Heart Foundation is calling on all smokers to attempt to quit on this year’s No Smoking Day, held on 9 March. The theme is ‘Proud to be a Quitter’, which showcases the inspirational stories of ex-smokers to highlight the life-changing benefits of quitting.