New service helps people to quit smoking

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www.firstnationstelegraph.com

New service to help quit smoking Since the clinics started at the beginning of the year, dozens of clients have taken part resulting in a number of former smokers including Toowoomba resident Denis Jackson. After being a smoker for nearly 50 years, Denis now proudly credits

“Over the years I used to give up for six, eight or even 12 months at a time, but I would always go back to new service has been smoking,” Mr Jackson said. established at the “But now I’ve completely given Toowoomba Hospital to help up for good.” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Mr Jackson said it was a stint Islander people struggling to quit in the intensive care unit at the smoking. Toowoomba Hospital Community Health that finally convinced Pharmacist Johanna him needed to quit Bou-Samra conducts smoking. smoking cessation “When I used to clinics three days a smoke, every winter week. I would end up in “The clinics are hospital,” he said. based on the Sydney “But last year I University Brain nearly died; I was in and Mind Institute ICU for 13 days. Smokers Clinics,” Ms “That was my Bou-Samra said. wake-up call; that “Each client is (experience) and the assessed for nicotine help from Joh are the dependence during things that made me an initial one-hour stop smoking.” consultation. It’s been over 12 “Treatment is months since Mr then tailored to the Jackson gave up patient’s dependency cigarettes. He now is level. inspiring his friends “These treatments and family to follow in are based on scientific Denis Jackson is proud to call himself a “non-smoker” after attending his footpath. evidence and have smoking cessation clinics held by Toowoomba Hospital’s Community “It’s made people Health pharmacist Joh Bou-Samra. been shown to give realise that it’s never the best longterm too late,” he said. results. himself as a “non-smoker” thanks “If I can do it, that others can “We focus on ensuring that to the help he received in the too.” quitting smoking is a comfortable clinics. Aboriginal and Torres as possible. He trialled a number of quit Strait Islander people living in “We do not set quit dates or methods including patches and Toowoomba who would like to ask the patients not to smoke. We medication before settling on access the smoking cessation clinics keep tailoring the treatment until a nicotine spray to control his are encouraged to ask for a referral they completely lose interest in cravings and strong mindset to via their GP or medical centre. smoking.” break the habit. by Anthea Gleeson 11 November 2015

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